Taimanov Variation

Pros

• The Taimanov is what you're looking for
• Taimanov and Kan are both flexible and relatively sound, but mainline positions are generally slightly better for white.
• Taimanov - Where I currently hang out the most. Called a "positional" sicilian by some people but I find it to be a nice mix of solid and aggressive.
• kan or taimanov are gentler entry points, you get the sicilian middlegame structures without needing to memorize 12 moves of theory before you reach an interesting position.
• Imho it’s the Taimanov. You have positional lines and dynamic lines with structure that arise in the typical Sicilians. You’ll quite often land in a Scheveningen type of position, just like in the Najdorf. Still it doesn’t limit you as m...

Cons

• I spent time with the Taimanov and had mixed feelings about it
• Taimanov – I recently looked at these lines deeply. Apart from the famous Qf3, White has a hundred other dangerous forced or slower strategic attempts to choose from. Without doubt, it's a great practical weapon. The positions are very c...
• Without doubt, it's a great practical weapon. The positions are very combative and breathtaking! But my conclusion is that it's so risky and requires so much theory, and still has a worse theoretical reputation than the Najdorf.
• Taimanov – I recently looked at these lines deeply. ... my conclusion is that it's so risky and requires so much theory, and still has a worse theoretical reputation than the Najdorf. And actually, White has even more moves against the T...