B45

Sicilian Defense: Taimanov 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

So,W vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Anand,V vs Svidler,P1-0
Zurich Korchnoi CC 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Kosteniuk,A vs Hou Yifan1/2-1/2
WCh-Women • 2008★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2007★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
WCh-FIDE • 2005★ Notable
Dominguez,L vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Anand,V vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
Amber Rapid • 2003★ Notable
Polgar,Ju vs Al Modiahki,M1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Leko, Peter1/2-1/2
Dortmunder Schachtage • 1999★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Leko, Peter1/2-1/2
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Handoko, Edhi vs Jussupow, Artur1/2-1/2
Wch U18 • 1979★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Grinberg, Nir1/2-1/2
Wch U16 • 1976★ Notable
Leko,P vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
FIDE World Cup 2025 • 2025
Aronian,L vs Shankland,S1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2025 • 2025
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
Esports World Cup 2025 • 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Praggnanandhaa,R0-1
2nd UzChess Cup Masters • 2025
Anand,V vs Grischuk,A0-1
FIDE World Bl Team Final • 2025
Navara,D vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
FIDE World Bl Team Pool D • 2025
Grischuk,A vs Krastev,Alexander1-0
Grand Prix PlusCity Blitz • 2025

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