B41
Sicilian Defense: Kan 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
B40 - Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation1776B42 - 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
Dominguez Perez,L vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2021 2021Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Drygalov,Andrey0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 2020Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2017 2017Notable
Carlsen,M vs Anand,V1-0
WCh 2014 2014Notable
Anand,V vs Caruana,F0-1
Zurich CC Rapid 2014 2014Notable
Kovac,B vs Kamsky,G0-1
GRENKE Rapid WCh 2010Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
19th Amber Rapid 2010Notable
Anand,V vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold 2005Notable
Kramnik,V vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Blindfold 2005Notable
Anand,V vs Morozevich,A1-0
36th Olympiad 2004Notable
Topalov,V vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2004Notable
Smirnov,P vs Radjabov,T1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2004Notable
Kramnik,V vs Svidler,P1-0
Amber Blindfold 2004Notable
Albano, Marco vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
WchT U26 1972Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Gheorghiu, Florin1-0
Wch U20 1971Notable
Anand,V vs Gukesh,D1-0
TechM GCL 2025 2025
Duda,J vs Carlsen,M1-0
Titled Tue 25th Mar Late 2025
So,W vs Carlsen,M0-1
CCT Final RR 2024 2024
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Titled Tue 12th Nov Early 2024
Firouzja,Alireza vs Carlsen,M0-1
TechM GCL 2024 2024