B25

Sicilian Defense: Closed

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

Short,N vs Nataf,IA1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Navara, David vs Venkatesh, MR.0-1
Wch U14 • 1999★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Kramnik, Vladimir1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/25+10 • 1999★ Notable
Al Modiahki, Mohamad vs Ponomariov, Ruslan1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1999★ Notable
Tkachiev, Vladislav vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Tkachiev, Vladislav vs Gelfand, Boris1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Hagesaether, Paal Vegard vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam0-1
Wch U20 • 1995★ Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Mohsin, Basim A1-0
Wch U10 • 1992★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Kortschnoj, Viktor1/2-1/2
WchT • 1985★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Panno, Oscar1-0
WchT • 1985★ Notable
Blatny, Pavel vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Wch U20 • 1985★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
Linares • 1983★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Toluca Interzonal • 1982★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1/2-1/2
World Championship 26th • 1966★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1/2-1/2
World Championship 26th • 1966★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Botvinnik, Mikhail0-1
World Championship 20th • 1954★ Notable
Short,N vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
5th Classic KO 2013 • 2013
Navara,D vs Sasikiran,K1-0
Corus B • 2009
Short,N vs Fedorov,Alex1/2-1/2
37th Olympiad • 2006
Short,N vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Essent Crown • 2004

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