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.

Best Games

Topalov,V vs Svidler,P1-0
FIDE Candidates 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Ramirez,Al vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
Olympiad • 2002★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Dual of the WCh • 2002★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Ljubojevic,L0-1
Amber Rapidplay • 2001★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Anand,V0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Amber-blind 7th • 1998★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Milos, Gilberto1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Svidler, Peter vs Polgar, Judit1/2-1/2
Tilburg Fontys • 1997★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Polgar, Judit1-0
Linares 14th • 1997★ Notable
Polgar, Judit vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1-0
Amber-blind 5th • 1996★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Hjartarson, Johann1-0
Wch Team • 1993★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Horvath, Csaba1/2-1/2
Wch U20 • 1986★ Notable
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

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