B22
Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation
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
B20 - Sicilian Defense511B21 - Sicilian Defense: Halasz Gambit219B23 - 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
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 2024Notable
Mamedov,Rau vs Gelfand,B1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 2020Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
78th Tata Steel GpA 2016Notable
Ranasinghe,S vs Hou Yifan0-1
FIDE WCh Women World Cup 2012Notable
Lahno,Kateri vs Hou Yifan0-1
WCh Women 2010Notable
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
18th Amber Rapid 2009Notable
Kamsky,G vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Kamsky,G vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid 2008Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Van Wely,L1-0
WCC 2005Notable
Morozevich,A vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
Amber Rapidplay 2002Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2001Notable
Rangarajan, S. vs Nakamura, Hikaru0-1
Wch U12 1999Notable
Naumann, Alexander vs Aronian, Levon1-0
Wch U20 1999Notable
Aronian, Levon vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam1/2-1/2
Wch U20 1999Notable
Szabo, Gergely vs Grischuk, Alexander0-1
Wch U16 1998Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Krasenkow, Michal1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Adams, Michael vs Svidler, Peter0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Almasi, Zoltan vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Ponomariov, Ruslan vs Savic, Miodrag R0-1
Wch U20 1997Notable