B49
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 Variation391B47 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation515B48 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English Attack630
Best Games
Topalov,V vs Svidler,P1-0
FIDE Candidates 2014 2014Notable
Ramirez,Al vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2004Notable
Grischuk,A vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
Olympiad 2002Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Dual of the WCh 2002Notable
Shirov,A vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Amber Rapidplay 2001Notable
Shirov,A vs Anand,V0-1
FIDE WCh KO 2000Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Amber-blind 7th 1998Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Polgar, Judit1-0
Linares 14th 1997Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Milos, Gilberto1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1997Notable
Svidler, Peter vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
Tilburg Fontys 1997Notable
Polgar, Judit vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Amber-blind 5th 1996Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Hjartarson, Johann1-0
Wch Team 1993Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Horvath, Csaba1/2-1/2
Wch U20 1986Notable
Kramnik,V vs Gukesh,D0-1
World Rapid Team 2023 2023
Pichot,A vs Wei Yi1/2-1/2
42nd Olympiad 2016 2016
Hou Yifan vs Socko,M1-0
41st Olympiad Women 2014 2014
Karjakin,Sergey vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
SportAccord Rapid Men 2012 2012
Karjakin,Sergey vs Morozevich,A1-0
FIDE GP Tashkent 2012
Anand,V vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
Mtel Masters 2005
Kramnik,V vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Final 2004