B42
Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Modern Variation
Key moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6
The Kan (or Paulsen) Variation is a flexible Sicilian system where Black plays ...a6, keeping options open for piece placement. It's considered one of the most flexible Sicilian variations.
History & Notable Players
Named after Ilya Kan, the variation has been played by many top players including Anatoly Karpov and Hikaru Nakamura.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B40 - Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation1776B41 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation479B43 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack547B44 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation291B45 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation299B46 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation391B47 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation515B48 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English Attack630B49 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation128
Best Games
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Carlsen,M1-0
12th Norway Chess 2024 2024Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Carlsen,M1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2020 2020Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Smirin,I1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 2020Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 2014Notable
Carlsen,M vs Caruana,F0-1
Zurich CC Blitz 2014 2014Notable
Topalov,V vs Caruana,F0-1
74th Tata Steel GMA 2012Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
54th Reggio Emilia 2012Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
6th Tal Memorial 2011Notable
Ackermann,Rob LUX vs Kamsky,G0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh 2010Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Davies,Ni1-0
GRENKE Rapid WCh 2010Notable
Leko,P vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial 2009Notable
Leko,P vs Kramnik,V0-1
18th Amber Rapid 2009Notable
Topalov,V vs Kamsky,G0-1
18th Amber Rapid 2009Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
38th Olympiad 2008Notable
Leko,P vs Grischuk,A1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Leko,P vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid 2008Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold 2008Notable
Leko,P vs Svidler,P1-0
Amber Blindfold 2006Notable
Hou Yifan vs Kosintseva,N1-0
FIDE WCh Women KO 2006Notable
Vallejo Pons,F vs Kamsky,G0-1
WCC Places 9-12 2005Notable