user8291: In the Sicilian Taimanov, after the opening moves
[FEN ""]
[StartPly "12"]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 

7.Qf3 has become popular recently. I find it still a bit strange move however...What is (or are) the main ideas and perhaps tactical themes behind this move?  

user14079: Main ideas:

Castling long as soon as possible
The Qf3 will most often move to g3 to pressure g7 and d6, and possibly help the break e4-e5.
Both central files are left for the rooks to apply maximum pressure (unlike after Qd2 or Qe2 developments)


8291: <p>In the Sicilian Taimanov, after the opening moves</p>

<pre><code>[FEN ""]
[StartPly "12"]

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be3 a6 
</code></pre>

<p>7.Qf3 has become popular recently. I find it still a bit strange move however...What is (or are) the main ideas and perhaps tactical themes behind this move?  </p>
 14079: <p>Main ideas:</p>

<ol>
<li>Castling long as soon as possible</li>
<li>The Qf3 will most often move to g3 to pressure g7 and d6, and possibly help the break e4-e5.</li>
<li>Both central files are left for the rooks to apply maximum pressure (unlike after Qd2 or Qe2 developments)</li>
</ol>
