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.

Best Games

Praggnanandhaa,R vs Carlsen,M1-0
12th Norway Chess 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Carlsen,M1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Smirin,I1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Caruana,F0-1
Zurich CC Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Caruana,F0-1
74th Tata Steel GMA • 2012★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
54th Reggio Emilia • 2012★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
6th Tal Memorial • 2011★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Davies,Ni1-0
GRENKE Rapid WCh • 2010★ Notable
Ackermann,Rob LUX vs Kamsky,G0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh • 2010★ Notable
Leko,P vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2009★ Notable
Leko,P vs Kramnik,V0-1
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Kamsky,G0-1
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
38th Olympiad • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Grischuk,A1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2008★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2008★ Notable
Leko,P vs Svidler,P1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2006★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Kosintseva,N1-0
FIDE WCh Women KO • 2006★ Notable
Vallejo Pons,F vs Kamsky,G0-1
WCC Places 9-12 • 2005★ Notable

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