B46

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.

Best Games

Dominguez Perez,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Xiong,Jeffery1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 9 • 2020★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Zurich Korchnoi CC 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Topalov,V1-0
2nd Sinquefield Cup 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Andreikin,D1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
6th Tal Memorial • 2011★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Ivanchuk,V0-1
19th Amber Blindfold • 2010★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2009★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Tal Memorial • 2008★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Tal Memorial • 2008★ Notable
Anand,V vs Polgar,Ju1/2-1/2
13th GrenkeLeasing Rapid WCh • 2008★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2008★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Rublevsky,S1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates Finals • 2007★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Rublevsky,S0-1
WCh Candidates s/f • 2007★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Svidler,P0-1
Amber Rapid • 2005★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Rapid • 2003★ Notable
Shirov,A vs Ljubojevic,L1-0
Amber Rapidplay • 2000★ Notable

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