ECO B44 · for Black
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov 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.
3,214,266 games in this band reached the Taimanov Variation position. From there Black won 48% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 Qc7 7. Be2 Nf6 8. O-O Be7
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 Nc6
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... Nc6
Developing the knight aiming not to fall behind in development.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 Qc7
5. Nc3
Devloping the knight while exerting more control over the d5 square.
- 5. Nxc6: Capturing on c6, likely to follow up with c4, in order to restrict black's d5 break.
5... a6
6. Be3
6... Qc7
Moves 7 to 8
7. Be2 Nf6 8. O-O Be7
7. Be2
Developing the light-squared bishop and preparing to castle kingside.
- 7. Qd2: Activating the queen and allowing White to castle queenside.
7... Nf6
Developing the knight to f6 and pressuring White's center.
8. O-O
8... Be7
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 knight on c6 generally captures the knight on d4
- The light-squared bishop can develop to b7 or d7
- Common pawn moves are e5, d6, and b5
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