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Sicilian Defense

Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Bronstein Variation

B41positionaltactical

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3e6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4a6
  5. 5.c4Nf6
  6. 6.Nc3Bb4
  7. 7.Bd3Nc6
347 games45%46%

A Kan Sicilian line against the Maróczy Bind in which Black pins the c3-knight with ...Bb4 and develops with ...Nc6, giving dynamic, roughly balanced play.

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About the Bronstein Variation

Against the Maróczy Bind treatment of the Kan, Black answers 5. c4 with 5...Nf6 6. Nc3 Bb4, pinning the c3-knight to increase the pressure on e4. After 7. Bd3 defends the pawn, 7...Nc6 develops and challenges the d4-knight. White most often exchanges with 8. Nxc6, while 8. Nc2, the engine's first choice, and 8. Be3 keep more pieces on. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and results in the Lichess database are almost exactly even.

Popular continuations