B28

Sicilian Defense: O'Kelly 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

Caruana,F vs Radjabov,T1-0
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Amber Rapidplay • 2002★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Lima,Da1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Dominguez Perez, Lenier vs Vallejo Pons, Francisco0-1
Wch U14 • 1996★ Notable
Polgar, Judit vs Polgar, Zsuzsa1-0
Amber-rapid 2nd • 1993★ Notable
Geller, Efim P vs Kramer, George Mortimer1-0
Wch Seniors • 1991★ Notable
Keller, Dieter vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Wch U20 final-A • 1955★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Theodorou,Nikolas1/2-1/2
15th London Classic Elite • 2025
Shirov,A vs Le,Minh Hoang0-1
Titled Tue 1st Apr Early • 2025
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
10th Gashimov Mem Blitz • 2024
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
10th Gashimov Mem Rapid • 2024
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Titled Tue 13th Aug Early • 2024
So,W vs Carlsen,M0-1
CCT Final KO 2023 • 2023
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Radjabov,T0-1
Shusha Chess Blitz 2022 • 2022
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Galego,L1/2-1/2
43rd Olympiad 2018 • 2018
Salem,AR vs Rapport,R1-0
Geneva Grand Prix 2017 • 2017
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Petrosian Memorial 2014 • 2014
Sukandar,I vs Hou Yifan0-1
41st Olympiad Women 2014 • 2014
Karjakin,Sergey vs Svidler,P0-1
Norway Supreme Masters Blitz 2013 • 2013
Leko,P vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
SportAccord Blindfold Men 2012 • 2012

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