Sicilian Defence
chess opening: 1. e4 c5
The Sicilian Defence is a chess opening that begins with the following moves:
1. e4 c5
1...c5 is one of the most popular responses to White's first move 1.e4. Like 1...e5, the move contests control of the d4-square, but breaks symmetry immediately, often leading to dynamic and sharp positions.
The earliest recorded notes on the Sicilian Defence date back to the late 16th century by the Italian chess players Giulio Polerio and Gioachino Greco. It was extremely popular in the second half of the 20th century and was extensively played and analysed by many grandmasters, such as Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Mikhail Tal.
General concepts
By advancing the c-pawn two squares, Black asserts control over the d4-square and begins the fight for the centre of the board. The move resembles 1...e5, the next most common response to 1.e4, in that respect. Unlike 1...e5, however, 1...c5 breaks the symmetry of the position, which strongly influences both players' future actions. White, having pushed a kingside pawn, tends to hold the initiative on that side of the board. However, 1...c5 does little for Black's development, unlike moves such as 1...e5, 1...g6, or 1...Nc6, which either develop a minor piece or prepare to do so.
“Sicilian Defence” enters the record as chess opening: 1. e4 c5. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Sicilian, Defence and chess can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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