B44
Sicilian Defense: Taimanov 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 Variation1776B41 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation479B42 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Modern Variation839B43 - Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation, Wing Attack547B45 - 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
Duda,J vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
8th Sinquefield Cup 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2008★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Macieja,B1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Leko,P vs Khalifman,A1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2000★ Notable
Leko, Peter vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1-0
Linares16th • 1999★ Notable
Grischuk, Alexander vs Mastrovasilis, Dimitrios1/2-1/2
Wch U16 • 1998★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
World Championship 32th-KK2 • 1985★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Portisch, Lajos1/2-1/2
Linares • 1985★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
World Championship 32th-KK2 • 1985★ Notable
Karpov, Anatoly vs Kasparov, Gary1-0
World Championship 31th-KK1 • 1984★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Kasparov, Gary1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1981★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Beyl1/2-1/2
WchT U26 • 1974★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Polugaevsky, Lev1/2-1/2
Petropolis Interzonal • 1973★ Notable
Estevez, Guillermo vs Karpov, Anatoly0-1
WchT U26 • 1972★ Notable
Duda,J vs Carlsen,M0-1
1st 3-0 Thu 20th Nov 2025 • 2025
Aronian,L vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
GCT Finals 2025 • 2025
Ponomariov,R vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 • 2025
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2024 • 2024
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
chess.com SpeedChess 2024 • 2024