B40
Sicilian Defense: Pin 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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B41 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation479B42 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Modern Variation839B43 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack547B44 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation291B45 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation299B46 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation391B47 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation515B48 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation, English Attack630B49 - Sicilian Defense: Taimanov Variation, Bastrikov Variation128
Best Games
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Duda,J1/2-1/2
12th Sinquefield Cup • 2025★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
13th Norway Chess 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2024★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2024★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Erigaisi,Arjun1/2-1/2
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
11th Norway Chess 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
84th Tata Steel Masters • 2022★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Rapport,R0-1
Saint Louis Rapid 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Wang Hao vs Caruana,F0-1
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Giri,A0-1
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Caruana,F0-1
8th Norway Chess 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Le Quang Liem vs Lintchevski,D1-0
PNWCC Masters WOO 2020 • 2020★ Notable