Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation

Starting Position
Evaluation
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Depth
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Best Line
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Opening Overview: Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation

By playing a6, the player enters the Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, a system within the Sicilian Defense complex. Instead of the standard Nf6, the player opts for a6. It succeeds by maintaining a solid objective evaluation while changing the character of the game. This move challenges the opponent. Note that engines consider this speculative, often preferring safer alternatives.

Critical Concepts

  • Emphasize piece activity and king safety as lines open rapidly.
  • Control the long diagonal to exert lasting pressure.
  • Feature: Open Center, Fianchetto

In the resulting middlegame, players must focus on how to prioritize piece activity and king safety as lines open quickly. Data analysis shows a 43% win rate for White, indicating White advantage.

Also known as: Sicilian: Kan (Paulsen), Sicilian Defense, O'Kelly Variation, Kan Line, O'Kelly Sicilian

Stockfish Analysis of Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation:
+0.93 Slight Advantage (White)
Click "Start Analysis" for depth 20+

Similar Variations

Technical Details for Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation

  • ECO Code: B41
  • Est. Win Rate: W: 43% / B: 25%
  • Moves: 12
  • Aliases: Sicilian: Kan (Paulsen), Sicilian Defense, O'Kelly Variation, Kan Line, O'Kelly Sicilian, Sicilian: Kan variation, Kan Line, O'Kelly Sicilian
View all Sicilian Defense

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