B27
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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B20 - Sicilian Defense511B21 - Sicilian Defense: Halasz Gambit219B22 - Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation1080B23 - Sicilian Defense: Closed1145B24 - Sicilian Defense: Closed89B25 - Sicilian Defense: Closed228B26 - Sicilian Defense: Closed161B28 - Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly Variation201B29 - Sicilian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation220
Best Games
Gukesh,D vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Vakhidov,T1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 13 • 2020★ Notable
Hou Yifan vs Sikorova,O1-0
1st WCh-Team Women • 2007★ Notable
Andreikine, Dmitri vs Vachier Lagrave, Mexime1-0
Wch U10 • 1999★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Caruana,F1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2025 • 2025
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Caruana,F1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2025 • 2025
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Clutch Chess: Champions • 2025
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
Clutch Chess: Champions • 2025
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
Clutch Chess: Champions • 2025
Shirov,A vs L'Ami,E0-1
28th Hoogeveen Crown • 2025
So,W vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
SuperUnited CRO Rapid 2025 • 2025
So,W vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 24th Dec Early • 2024
Anand,V vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
TechM GCL 2024 • 2024
Le,Quang Liem vs Carlsen,M0-1
Titled Tue 7th Nov Early • 2023
Rapport,R vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Armageddon Grand Final W • 2023
Caruana,F vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
chess.com SpeedChess 2023 • 2023
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023
Carlsen,M vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
Superbet Blitz 2023 • 2023
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
Chess.com RCC Wk12 Swiss • 2022
Nakamura,Hi vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Chess.com Rapid Wk8 KO • 2022