Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7

ECO B47

The Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Qc7.

It is catalogued under code B47 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Qc7 is chosen by Black on move 5.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Ponomariov Gambit and the English Attack.

The Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation is a line of the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 c5. Read the complete Sicilian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, Ponomariov Gambit — ECO B47
• Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English Attack — ECO B48

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the Taimanov 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.