Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Szén Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nb5

ECO B44

The Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Szén 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.Nb5.

It is catalogued under code B44 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nb5 is chosen by White on move 5.

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.