Kan: 5.c4, the Maroczy set-up is variation 6 of 6 in the Sicilian Taimanov and Kan course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B41). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 …. White grips d5 with pawns on c4 and e4. Black pins the c3 knight with ...Bb4 and adds pressure with ...Nc6. After the trade on c6, Black gains space with ...e5. 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.
1... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side.
2. Nf3 – White develops and prepares d4.
2... e6 – Black frees the f8 bishop and keeps an eye on d5.
3. d4 – White opens the centre.
3... cxd4 – Black trades a side pawn for a centre pawn.
4. Nxd4 – The knight takes back and sits in the centre.
4... a6 – The Kan. Black keeps the knights off b5 and every piece stays flexible.
5. c4 – White grips d5 with the c-pawn and the e-pawn.
5... Nf6 – Black develops and hits e4.
6. Nc3 – The knight guards e4.
6... Bb4 – The bishop pins the c3 knight, and e4 is under fire again.
7. Bd3 – White guards e4 with the bishop.
7... Nc6 – Black adds pressure on the d4 knight.
8. Nxc6 – White trades knights.
8... dxc6 – Black takes with the d-pawn. The d-file opens and the queens can come off.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
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