B41

Sicilian Defense: Kan 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

Dominguez Perez,L vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Drygalov,Andrey0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Anand,V1-0
WCh 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Anand,V vs Caruana,F0-1
Zurich CC Rapid 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Kovac,B vs Kamsky,G0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh • 2010★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
19th Amber Rapid • 2010★ Notable
Anand,V vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2005★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2005★ Notable
Anand,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
36th Olympiad • 2004★ Notable
Topalov,V vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Smirnov,P vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Svidler,P1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2004★ Notable
Albano, Marco vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
WchT U26 • 1972★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Gheorghiu, Florin1-0
Wch U20 • 1971★ Notable
Anand,V vs Gukesh,D1-0
TechM GCL 2025 • 2025
Duda,J vs Carlsen,M1-0
Titled Tue 25th Mar Late • 2025
So,W vs Carlsen,M0-1
CCT Final RR 2024 • 2024
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 12th Nov Early • 2024
Firouzja,Alireza vs Carlsen,M0-1
TechM GCL 2024 • 2024

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players