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.

Best Games

Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Mamedov,Rau vs Gelfand,B1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
78th Tata Steel GpA • 2016★ Notable
Ranasinghe,S vs Hou Yifan0-1
FIDE WCh Women World Cup • 2012★ Notable
Lahno,Kateri vs Hou Yifan0-1
WCh Women • 2010★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2008★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Van Wely,L1-0
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
Amber Rapidplay • 2002★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Rangarajan, S. vs Nakamura, Hikaru0-1
Wch U12 • 1999★ Notable
Naumann, Alexander vs Aronian, Levon1-0
Wch U20 • 1999★ Notable
Aronian, Levon vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam1/2-1/2
Wch U20 • 1999★ Notable
Szabo, Gergely vs Grischuk, Alexander0-1
Wch U16 • 1998★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Svidler, Peter0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Almasi, Zoltan vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Ponomariov, Ruslan vs Savic, Miodrag R0-1
Wch U20 • 1997★ Notable
Ponomariov, Ruslan vs Tihonov, Jurij1-0
Wch U20 • 1997★ Notable

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