B43

Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack

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

Nakamura,Hi vs Kamsky,G1-0
Sinquefield Cup 2013 • 2013★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Topalov,V0-1
18th Amber Blindfold • 2009★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Svidler,P0-1
Amber Blindfold • 2007★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Kamsky,G1-0
WCC Places 9-10 • 2005★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Flores,Di1-0
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Kasimdzhanov,R1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Smirin,I1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Dao Thien Hai1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Timman, Jan H1-0
Dortmunder Schachtage • 1999★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Topalov, Veselin1-0
Tilburg Fontys • 1998★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Topalov, Veselin1-0
Sofia m 25' • 1998★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Tilburg Fontys • 1997★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Svidler, Peter0-1
Tilburg Fontys • 1997★ Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Dortmund • 1997★ Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
Amber-rapid 4th • 1995★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Polgar, Judit1-0
Amber-rapid 3rd • 1994★ Notable
Karthick, S. vs Navara, David1-0
Wch U10 • 1994★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Gouveia, Carlos Eduardo1-0
WchT U26 • 1972★ Notable
Reshevsky, Samuel Herman vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Interzonal playoff-8pl • 1964★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Wiesner,H1-0
Grand Prix PlusCity Blitz • 2025

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players