B48
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English 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.
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 Variation391B47 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation515B49 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation128
Best Games
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Carlsen,M0-1
Tata Steel India Rapid 2024Notable
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Gukesh,D1-0
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open 2023Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
9th Norway Chess 2021 2021Notable
Duda,J vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
8th Norway Chess 2020 2020Notable
Radjabov,T vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
81st Tata Steel GpA 2019Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Caruana,F0-1
9th London Classic 2017 2017Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
3rd Sinquefield Cup 2015 2015Notable
Radjabov,T vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
77th Tata Steel GpA 2015Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
41st Olympiad Open 2014 2014Notable
Caruana,F vs Svidler,P1-0
2nd Norway Chess 2014 2014Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2014 2014Notable
Carlsen,M vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
FIDE Candidates 2013Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
18th Amber Blindfold 2009Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
Carlsen,M vs Kamsky,G0-1
WCC Places 9-10 2005Notable
Inarkiev,E vs Khalifman,A1/2-1/2
WCC 2005Notable
Grischuk,A vs Needleman,G1-0
WCC 2005Notable
Anand,V vs Polgar,Ju1-0
WCh-FIDE 2005Notable
Leko,P vs Polgar,Ju1-0
WCh-FIDE 2005Notable
Adams,Mi vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
WCh-FIDE 2005Notable