Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation (B41)

The Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B41. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation — position after c4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3e6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4a6
5c4

ECO: B41

Stockfish: +0.47 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation?

The Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B41.

What is the ECO code for the Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation?

The Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation is ECO B41. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 at +0.47 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Kan Variation, Maróczy Bind, Réti Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move.