Originally posted by JessahI rarely respond to 1.e4 with 1...d5, but I play the Sicilian (1...c5) all the time. If you are just starting out, then the Sicilian may not be the best opening for you (yet). The Sicilian is very complex, and it takes a lot of time and study to be able to play just one major variation of it well. If you are looking around for responses to 1.e4, and you aren't committed to 1...e6, then I'd start with the fairly boring Petrov defence. It is easy to learn, sound, and can frustrate an opponent who is expecting an easy victory. Of course, none of the openings mentioned will do a damn bit of good unless you practice, study, and familiarize yourself with the principles of sound opening play. A useful internet site for beginners is the Exeter Junior Chess Club website.
Well, the French is a common, oftenly played (also by Grandmasters) opening. Very sound and there are not, as far as I know, I seldomly play it, to many tricks in it. My only point is that because it's played so often, it's boring.
Certainly for beginning players like you, responses to 1.e4 like 1..e5 or 1..e6 are good, but personally, I like the Sicilia ...[text shortened]... on redhotchess.com, Jessah (my cousin, for those who do not know) slept over a few days ago. 🙂
Cheers!
Originally posted by bbarrThe sicillian is more complex than say playing ..e5, though i don't think it is too complex for a beginner. I started playing two years ago and played e5 like all beginners do. After a couple of months i started experimenting with the english as white, and naturally tried the same thing with black. When you play low rated players it doesn't really matter so much as they rarely play to theory anyway. In fact, i found my rating improved by 100 points or so as my opponents didn't really have a clue what to do either.
I rarely respond to 1.e4 with 1...d5, but I play the Sicilian (1...c5) all the time. If you are just starting out, then the Sicilian may not be the best opening for you (yet). The Sicilian is very complex, and it takes a lot of time and study to be able to play just one major variation of it well. If you are looking around for responses to 1.e4, and you are ...[text shortened]... play. A useful internet site for beginners is the Exeter Junior Chess Club website.
Cheers!
Originally posted by marinakatombIf his brother were also a beginner, I'd agree that the Sicilian would be, at least, an interesting and fun choice. AJMagician claimed, however, that his brother is both very smart and an experienced player. I'd stick with an opening that's lighter on theory. After all, they will be playing OTB, and AJMagician will not have the luxury of research during the game.
The sicillian is more complex than say playing ..e5, though i don't think it is too complex for a beginner. I started playing two years ago and played e5 like all beginners do. After a couple of months i started experimenting with the english as white, and naturally tried the same thing with black. When you play low rated players it doesn't really mat ...[text shortened]... ating improved by 100 points or so as my opponents didn't really have a clue what to do either.
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Originally posted by marinakatombIf only the world worked like that! Even the strongest players lose. It is true that if his brother is stronger, then he'll be more likely to win, but a victory isn't assured. AJMagician can try to even up the odds.
True, there are lines with less theory, but if his brother is a stronger player he'll win whatever line is played.
Actually, while we are supossed to be talking about fools mate. You could try this line (yes it is the sicillian), assuming white plays for fools mate....
1.e4 ..c5
2.Bc4 ..Nc6 (So far this is standard sicillian stuff, solid as you like)
3.Qf3 ..Ne5 (Ok, white wants to get fresh, Ne5-forking the queen and the bishop)
Or...
1.e4 ..c5
2.Bc4 ..e6
3Qf3 d5
Or any other move that develops a piece and deals with the weak f6 square.