B20

Sicilian Defense

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

Kovalev,Vl vs Gelfand,B0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 20 • 2020★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Caruana,F0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2019 • 2019★ Notable
Seul,G vs Kasimdzhanov,R0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh • 2010★ Notable
Mamedyarov,S vs Anand,V0-1
Amber Rapid • 2008★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Morozevich,A0-1
Amber Blindfold • 2006★ Notable
Ehlvest,J vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Nunez Vergara, Daniel vs Dominguez Perez, Lenier0-1
Wch U14 • 1996★ Notable
Boldyrev, Anton vs Aronian, Levon1/2-1/2
Wch U12 • 1993★ Notable
Wade, Robert Graham vs Smyslov, Vassily0-1
Wch Seniors • 1991★ Notable
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Karpov, Anatoly1-0
World Championship 29th • 1978★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
FTX Road to Miami Prelim • 2022
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Yilmaz,M1-0
Lindores Abbey Tal Mem • 2021
Mamedyarov,S vs Carlsen,M1-0
Meltwater Tour Final 2021 • 2021
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Gelfand,B0-1
Legends of Chess Prelim • 2020
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
Legends of Chess Prelim • 2020
Morozevich,A vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Titled Tuesday 26th May • 2020
Yoo,Christopher Woojin vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Candidates FED U16 Online • 2020
Nakamura,Hi vs So,W1-0
chess.com Speed 2019 • 2020
Wei Yi vs Giri,A1-0
Jerusalem FIDE Grand Prix • 2019
Yu Yangyi vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2019 • 2019

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