B20
Sicilian Defense
Key moves: 1.e4 c5
The Sicilian Defence is the most popular and best-scoring response to 1.e4. Black immediately fights for the centre with an asymmetrical pawn structure, leading to sharp, combative positions. It is the weapon of choice for aggressive players seeking to win with Black.
History & Notable Players
The opening was first analysed in detail in the 16th century by Italian players. It became a major weapon in the 20th century through the games of players like Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and many modern grandmasters.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B21 - Sicilian Defense: Halasz Gambit219B22 - Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation1080B23 - Sicilian Defense: Closed1145B24 - Sicilian Defense: Closed89B25 - Sicilian Defense: Closed228B26 - Sicilian Defense: Closed161B27 - Sicilian Defense302B28 - Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation201B29 - Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation220
Best Games
Kovalev,Vl vs Gelfand,B0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 20 2020Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Caruana,F0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2019 2019Notable
Seul,G vs Kasimdzhanov,R0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh 2010Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Anand,V0-1
Amber Rapid 2008Notable
Aronian,L vs Morozevich,A0-1
Amber Blindfold 2006Notable
Ehlvest,J vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2001Notable
Nunez Vergara, Daniel vs Dominguez Perez, Lenier0-1
Wch U14 1996Notable
Boldyrev, Anton vs Aronian, Levon1/2-1/2
Wch U12 1993Notable
Wade, Robert Graham vs Smyslov, Vassily0-1
Wch Seniors 1991Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly1-0
World Championship 29th 1978Notable
Rapport,R vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
FTX Road to Miami Prelim 2022
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Yilmaz,M1-0
Lindores Abbey Tal Mem 2021
Mamedyarov,S vs Carlsen,M1-0
Meltwater Tour Final 2021 2021
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
Legends of Chess Prelim 2020
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Gelfand,B0-1
Legends of Chess Prelim 2020
Morozevich,A vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Titled Tuesday 26th May 2020
Yoo,Christopher Woojin vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Candidates FED U16 Online 2020
Nakamura,Hi vs So,W1-0
chess.com Speed 2019 2020
Wei Yi vs Giri,A1-0
Jerusalem FIDE Grand Prix 2019
Yu Yangyi vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2019 2019