The Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, Ponomariov Gambit is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B47. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Ndb5 Qb8 7. Be3 a6 8. Bb6, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after eight 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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The Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, Ponomariov Gambit goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Ndb5 Qb8 7. Be3 a6 8. Bb6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B47.
The Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, Ponomariov Gambit is ECO B47. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Ndb5 Qb8 7. Be3 a6 8. Bb6 at -0.56 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.