Chess opening · ECO B44
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6. It ranks #131 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
- 4... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6. It now attacks the knight on d4.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Nc3 is the most popular next move among players rated under 1200 and 2000 and up, though the favorite changes in between.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc3 100% | – | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nxc6 48% | Nc3 38% | Be3 7% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 44% | Nxc6 28% | Be3 10% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 45% | Nxc6 21% | Be3 9% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 52% | c4 10% | Nxc6 10% |
| 2000 and up | Nc3 47% | Nb5 16% | c4 16% |
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