Taimanov: 5...Qc7 6.Be3 is variation 4 of 6 in the The Open Sicilian for White course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO B48). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 …. Against the Taimanov White uses the English Attack set-up. When Black pins the c3 knight, guard e4 with the f-pawn. Keep the queen active in the centre. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre and frees the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side and keeps the game unbalanced.
2. Nf3 – The knight develops and prepares d4. This is the road to the Open Sicilian.
2... e6 – Black keeps the choice between the Taimanov and the Kan.
3. d4 – The Open Sicilian. White opens the centre at once to use the lead in development.
3... cxd4 – Black takes. Black gives a wing pawn for a centre pawn and gets the half-open c-file.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back and gets a strong knight in the centre.
4... Nc6 – The Taimanov. The knight develops and puts pressure on d4.
5. Nc3 – The knight develops and controls b5 and d5.
5... Qc7 – A main Taimanov set-up. The queen watches e5 and the c-file.
6. Be3 – The English Attack set-up. White plans the queen on d2 and long castling.
6... a6 – Black keeps White's knights out of b5.
7. Qd2 – The queen connects with the bishop.
7... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4.
8. O-O-O – White castles long. The rook goes straight to the d-file.
8... Bb4 – Black pins the c3 knight and puts more pressure on e4.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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