Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Kan Variation, Polugaevsky Variation

B42tacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3e6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4a6
  5. 5.Bd3Bc5
737 games49%43%

Kan Sicilian line in which Black meets 5. Bd3 with 5...Bc5, challenging the d4-knight at once and forcing White to decide on its placement.

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About the Polugaevsky Variation

The Polugaevsky Variation develops the dark-squared bishop with 5...Bc5, attacking the d4-knight immediately instead of waiting with ...Qc7 or ...Nf6. White usually retreats with 6. Nb3, after which 6...Be7 runs into 7. Qg4 and kingside pressure, so 6...Ba7 is the main alternative, keeping the bishop on the a7–g1 diagonal. 6. Be3 and 6. c3 defend the knight instead; Black has scored well against the latter. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations