Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6

ECO B41

The Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6.

It is catalogued under code B41 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move a6 is chosen by Black on move 4.

9 named continuations branch from this position, including the Bronstein Variation and the Hedgehog Variation.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Bronstein Variation — ECO B41
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Hedgehog Variation — ECO B41
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation — ECO B41
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Gipslis Variation — ECO B42
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Modern Variation — ECO B42
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Polugaevsky Variation — ECO B42
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Swiss Cheese Variation — ECO B42
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Knight Variation — ECO B43
• Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack — ECO B43

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Attacking the Paulsen Sicilian course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.