Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation

Before the first move

The Taimanov Sicilian is a flexible and resilient system where Black prioritizes piece coordination over early pawn structures. By developing the knight to c6 and the queen to c7, you create a solid setup that avoids many of White's most dangerous early attacks while preparing to strike back in the center.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move at all levels. By controlling d5 and f5, White invites an open struggle. You will have to decide how to respond to this central challenge.

1... c5Black · your move

Move your pawn to c5 to enter the Sicilian Defense. You are immediately fighting for the d4 square and creating an asymmetrical position where you can play for a win.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, preparing to open the center. While the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2 are possible, this move is the gold standard for reaching the Open Sicilian.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This solidifies your center and opens a diagonal for your dark-squared bishop, preparing for the Taimanov or Kan variations.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. d4White

White plays d4, initiating the Open Sicilian. Alternatives like the Delayed Alapin with c3 or the King's Indian Attack setup with d3 are slower and give you more time to breathe.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6) · b3 (Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack) · c4 (Sicilian Defense: Kramnik Variation) · b4 (Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit Deferred)

3... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4. By trading your wing pawn for White's central pawn, you ensure a long-term pawn majority in the center and open the c-file for your rook.

Other paths here: a6 (Sicilian Defense: Drazic Variation) · d5 (Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack)

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with the knight, placing it on its most active square. White now has a space advantage, but your position remains very compact and difficult to break down.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Deferred)

4... Nc6Black · your move

Develop your knight to c6. You are challenging the centralized knight on d4 and preparing to develop your queen, staying true to the Taimanov spirit.

Other paths here: Nf6 (Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Normal) · Qb6 (Sicilian Defense: Kveinis Variation) · Bc5 (Sicilian Defense: Paulsen-Basman Defense) · d6 (Sicilian: Open, 2...e6, 4.Nxd4 d6)

5. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, reinforcing the center. White could also try the aggressive English Attack setup with Be3 or the positional Be2, but the knight development is the most direct.

Other paths here: Nb5 (Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Szén Variation) · Be2 (Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Be2) · Be3 (Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Be3) · c4 (Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.c4)

5... Qc7Black · your move

Slide your queen to c7. This is the Bastrikov Variation. Your queen controls the c-file, eyes the e5 square, and stays safe from early harassment while supporting your center.

Other paths here: Bb4 (Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nc3 Bb4) · d6 (Sicilian: Taimanov, 5.Nc3 d6) · a6 (Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation) · Nf6 (Sicilian: Taimanov, Four Knights, 6.a3)

Where you stand

The position is rich with possibilities. White will likely develop the dark-squared bishop to e3 and prepare for queenside castling, while Black will look to play a6 and Nf6. The battle revolves around White's central space versus Black's long-term pressure on the c-file and the potential for a central counter-strike with d5.

• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center.
• a7-a6 Prevent knight jumps and prepare b5.
• g8-f6 Develop the knight and challenge e4.
• d1-d2 Prepare for queenside castling and coordination.
• e1-c1 Castle queenside to launch a kingside attack.