B26
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: Closed89B25 - Sicilian Defense: Closed228B27 - Sicilian Defense302B28 - Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation201B29 - Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation220
Best Games
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Yu Jiangwei1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Muradli,Mahammad0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Shahinyan,D vs Gelfand,B1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Vachier Lagrave, Mexime vs Haoyu, Li0-1
Wch U10 • 1999★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Dortmund • 1998★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Polgar, Judit0-1
Amber-rapid 4th • 1995★ Notable
Parligras, Mircea vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam0-1
Wch U16 • 1995★ Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Pareshishvili, Giorgi1/2-1/2
Wch U10 • 1993★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Linares • 1992★ Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Das, N.1-0
Wch U10 • 1992★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Polugaevsky, Lev1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1985★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Gukesh,D1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2022 • 2022
Carlsen,M vs Wojtaszek,R1-0
41st Olympiad Open 2014 • 2014
Short,N vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
Corus A • 2005
Adams,Mi vs Timman,J1/2-1/2
Corus • 2002
Short,N vs Kasparov,G1/2-1/2
Corus • 2000
Short,N vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
Corus • 2000
Adams, Michael vs Topalov, Veselin1/2-1/2
Dos Hermanas • 1999