Sicilian Defense · B49

Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, after 6. Be3

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be3 a6 7. Be2

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. ...e6 and ...Nc6 with the queen often on c7: pressure against e5 and down the c-file while the king waits to see which wing is safer.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Variation.

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