B25
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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B20 - Sicilian Defense511B21 - Sicilian Defense: Halasz Gambit219B22 - Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation1080B23 - Sicilian Defense: Closed1145B24 - Sicilian Defense: Closed89B26 - Sicilian Defense: Closed161B27 - Sicilian Defense302B28 - Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation201B29 - Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation220
Best Games
Short,N vs Nataf,IA1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2000Notable
Navara, David vs Venkatesh, MR.0-1
Wch U14 1999Notable
Adams, Michael vs Kramnik, Vladimir1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/25+10 1999Notable
Al Modiahki, Mohamad vs Ponomariov, Ruslan1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1999Notable
Tkachiev, Vladislav vs Gelfand, Boris1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Tkachiev, Vladislav vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Hagesaether, Paal Vegard vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam0-1
Wch U20 1995Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Mohsin, Basim A1-0
Wch U10 1992Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Panno, Oscar1-0
WchT 1985Notable
Blatny, Pavel vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Wch U20 1985Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Kortschnoj, Viktor1/2-1/2
WchT 1985Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Linares 1983Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Toluca Interzonal 1982Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1/2-1/2
World Championship 26th 1966Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1/2-1/2
World Championship 26th 1966Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail0-1
World Championship 20th 1954Notable
Short,N vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
5th Classic KO 2013 2013
Navara,D vs Sasikiran,K1-0
Corus B 2009
Short,N vs Fedorov,Alex1/2-1/2
37th Olympiad 2006
Short,N vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Essent Crown 2004