B46
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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B40 - Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation1776B41 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation479B42 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Modern Variation839B43 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack547B44 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation291B45 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation299B47 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation515B48 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English Attack630B49 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation128
Best Games
Dominguez Perez,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2022 2022Notable
Radjabov,T vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 2022Notable
Caruana,F vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 2022Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Xiong,Jeffery1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 9 2020Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Zurich Korchnoi CC 2017 2017Notable
Caruana,F vs Topalov,V1-0
2nd Sinquefield Cup 2014 2014Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Andreikin,D1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2014 2014Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
6th Tal Memorial 2011Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
19th Amber Blindfold 2010Notable
Morozevich,A vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial 2009Notable
Shirov,A vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Tal Memorial 2008Notable
Kamsky,G vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Tal Memorial 2008Notable
Anand,V vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh 2008Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Amber Blindfold 2008Notable
Grischuk,A vs Rublevsky,S1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates Finals 2007Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Rublevsky,S0-1
WCh Candidates s/f 2007Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial 2006Notable
Kramnik,V vs Svidler,P0-1
Amber Rapid 2005Notable
Morozevich,A vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Rapid 2003Notable
Shirov,A vs Ljubojevic,L1-0
Amber Rapidplay 2000Notable