Taimanov Variation ⎸Sicilian Defense Theory

The difference between the Taimanov, the Paulsen and the Kan is subtle, but it exists. The Taimanov is perhaps the most comfortable of all the e6 Sicilians for black to play.

Introduction to the Sicilian Defense:    • Sicilian Defense (introduction, ideas...  
Kan Variation of the Sicilian:    • Sicilian Kan ⎸Chess Openings  

The Taimanov Variation is a subvariation in the Paulsen according to some, a different name for the Paulsen according to others, and some even think it’s a completely different opening. Paulsen Sicilian(s) are characterized by black having played e6 and white playing Nc3 after the central pawn exchange on d4. It can develop into the Taimanov, the Kan and many other minor sidelines within the Paulsen.

The variation was named after the great Soviet grandmaster Mark Taimanov. A world class chess player and a world class pianist as well. A versatile man with many interests. He played chess that way too. He was never given a label for playing one way or the other (like Karpov, Petrosian or Tal have). He played chess the way he wanted to. This variation was probably his biggest contribution to chess theory.

The Taimanov is characterized by the moves

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6
5. Nc3 Qc7 – once again, not everyone agrees on this. Some think think it’s Taimanov immediately after Nc3. The position continues with:

6. Be3 a6 7. Qd2 Nf6 8. O-O-O – white approaches this position similarly to the dragon. A quick kingside attack and long castling, with a simple goal of putting pressure on black as soon as possible. Black will, on the other hand try to create initiative on the queenside and castle short.

The main line continues with:

8...Bb4 9. f3 Ne5 10. Nb3 b5 11. Qe1 Be7 12. f4 Ng6
13. e5 Ng4 14. Ne4 O-O 15. Bc5 Bb7 16. h3 Nh6