B47
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov 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 Variation299B46 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation391B48 - 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 Rapid 2024 2024Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Carlsen,M vs Rapport,R1-0
81st Tata Steel GpA 2019Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
World Youth U16 Olympiad 2017Notable
Caruana,F vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
39th Olympiad Men 2010Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A0-1
Amber Blindfold 2006Notable
Shirov,A vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold 2004Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO Final 2002Notable
Ponomariov, Ruslan vs Al Modiahki, Mohamad1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1999Notable
Navara, David vs Zarezenko, Ilya1-0
Wch U12 1997Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Leko, Peter1-0
Dortmund 1996Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Linares 1995Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Anand, Viswanathan0-1
Tilburg 1991Notable
Adams, Michael vs Polgar, Zsuzsa1/2-1/2
Wch U20 1988Notable
Barua, Dibyendu vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Wch U20 1986Notable
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2025 2025
Aronian,L vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
Superbet ROM Classic 2025 2025
Dominguez Perez,L vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 9th Jan Early 2024
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Kamsky,G1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 19th Dec Early 2023
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Levitov Chess Week Rapid 2023