ECO B41 · for Black
Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,478,634 games in this band reached the Kan Variation position. From there Black won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bd3 Bb4 8. O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. Nf3
2... e6
Aiming to develop the bishop to e7 and preparing for a Paulsen/Taimanov setup. This move also allows for d5 in one move if white plays d4.
Moves 3 to 4
3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6
3. d4
Advancing the pawn to d4 is the Open Sicilian, aiming to control the center and open lines for the pieces. This move also prepares for quick development of the bishop and queen.
3... cxd4
Black trades his flank pawn for White's central pawn
4. Nxd4
White recaptures with the Knight. Recapturing with the Queen would allow Black to develop with tempo with Nc6.
4... a6
Preparing the b5 advance to develop the light squared bishop and launch a potential queenside attack
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be3 Nf6
5. Nc3
Developing the knight and exerting better control over the d5 square while also supporting the e4 pawn.
- 5. c4: Gaining space and preventing both b5 and d5. These are black's two main pawn breaks in this position.
5... Qc7
Placing the queen on c7 to prevent Bf4 and aid in a possible queenside attack.
6. Be3
Developing the bishop. White will continue by attacking on the kingside.
- 6. Bd3: Developing the bishop and supporting the e4 pawn. This bishop also will target the Black kingside later.
- 6. Be2: Developing the light-squared bishop and preparing to castle kingside.
- 6. g3: Preparing to fianchetto the light-squared bishop and prevent Black’s plan of d5.
6... Nf6
Developing the knight and pressuring White’s center.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bd3 Bb4 8. O-O
7. Bd3
7... Bb4
8. O-O
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles kingside
- The bishop on b4 or queen on c7 generally captures the knight on c3
- The queenside knight usually develops to c6
- Common pawn moves are e5, d6, and d5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black