B24

Sicilian Defense: Closed

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

Short,N vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Olympiad • 2002★ Notable
Demeterco, R. vs Leko, Peter0-1
Wch U16 • 1994★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail0-1
World Championship 20th • 1954★ Notable
Short,N vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
World Rapid Team 2023 • 2023
Rapport,R vs Carlsen,M0-1
Charity Cup Prelim • 2022
Lautier, Joel vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Amber-rapid 5th • 1996
Anand, Viswanathan vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
PCA/Intel-GP • 1994
Spassky, Boris V vs Fischer, Robert James1-0
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Larsen, Bent vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir0-1
Brussels • 1987
Spassky, Boris V vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Turin • 1982
Spassky, Boris V vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Bugojno • 1982
Spassky, Boris V vs Garcia Gonzales, Guillermo1/2-1/2
Linares • 1981
Spassky, Boris V vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir0-1
Bugojno • 1978
Smyslov, Vassily vs Portisch, Lajos1/2-1/2
Candidats reserve • 1971
Ujtumen, Tudev vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Palma de Mallorca Interzonal • 1970
Larsen, Bent vs Matulovic, Milan1-0
Palma de Mallorca Interzonal • 1970
Larsen, Bent vs Spassky, Boris V1/2-1/2
Alekhine mem • 1959
Short,N vs Degenbaev,Aziz1-0
FIDE World Rapid Team • 2025
Fritsche,L vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
2nd Bundesliga West 23-24 • 2023
Dubov,Daniil vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 29th Nov Early • 2022

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