The Taimanov Variation, Gary Gambit is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B44. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3 d5, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White 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, Gary Gambit goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3 d5. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B44.
The Taimanov Variation, Gary Gambit is ECO B44. 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. Nb5 d6 6. c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3 d5 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.