Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation
Flexible with e6 and a6. Avoids certain main lines.
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1. e4 › Sicilian Defense › Taimanov Variation
Change
Sequence
1.e4c52.Nf3e63.d4cxd44.Nxd4Nc65.Nc3a6
About this opening
The Taimanov Variation pairs ...e6 and ...Nc6 with a very flexible queen development, often via ...Qc7, keeping a choice between several structures. This flexibility, delaying any pawn commitment, complicates White's task and gives Black rich counterplay. Grandmaster Mark Taimanov lent it his name and demonstrated all of its strategic resources.