Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6
In playing the Kan, Black is keeping his position as flexible as possible. The dark-squared bishop is free to go to various places, and the knight doesn't go to f6 immediately. Black's 4...a6 not only guards the d6 square against Nb5, but also prepares a possible ...b5.
Pros:
- Very flexible play
- Provocative and tricky
Cons:
- White can gain a lead in development
- White has various attacking possibilities
- White maintains possibilities of c2-c4