The Taimanov-Scheveningen Hybrid - Semko Semkov

This book offers a full repertoire for Black based on the Taimanov move order 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6! 5.Nc3 Qc7.

The Taimanov is particularly effective against the English Аttack and early kingside pawn storms. However, the fianchetto 6.g3 and the Classical System with 6.Be3 a6 7.Be2 pose certain problems. I propose to meet them with the Sheveningen set-up ...d6. Thus we take the best of two different worlds. In 20014 I wrote The Most Flexible Sicilian with Delchev. It was based on my coauthor’s repertoire, with a focus on the Kann (without Nc6). On the opposite, I have always preferred the Scheveningen setup whenever possible. The biggest problem there is to avoid the Keres Attack and the system with f4, Qf3. The Taimanov move order is perfect for that aim.

My new book practically does not overlap with The Most Flexible Sicilian or Pavlidis’ The Sicilian Taimanov as I recommend other lines, which are better or keep more tension, in my opinion. I have been a devoted Sicilian fan all my life, and I have played at least 10 000 blitz games starting with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6. Since a good half of them featured 3.c3, 3.g3, 3.d3 or other anti-Sicilians, I included these lines in the book.

Semko Semkov
June 2022