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.

Best Games

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

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