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Facing the Sicilian

Facing the Sicilian

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I've switched back to what I played first 1. e4 and my results are better than with 1. d4

But my problem is to find a line against the sicilian that I like. I tried playing the chameleon variation for a while, but realized there are forced variations into waters I do not like. Any ideas on other lines? I like to play the open games.

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Originally posted by Golub
I've switched back to what I played first 1. e4 and my results are better than with 1. d4

But my problem is to find a line against the sicilian that I like. I tried playing the chameleon variation for a while, but realized there are forced variations into waters I do not like. Any ideas on other lines? I like to play the open games.
The Sicilian is easy to meet once you understand it, and not have a big fear of all the lines 'you have to know by heart'...I'm not gonna tell you what to play, just pick a system you like and understand the ideas behind it and you'll be good to go.

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Originally posted by Golub
I've switched back to what I played first 1. e4 and my results are better than with 1. d4

But my problem is to find a line against the sicilian that I like. I tried playing the chameleon variation for a while, but realized there are forced variations into waters I do not like. Any ideas on other lines? I like to play the open games.
2.c3

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Are c3-sicilians "open game" like..?

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Originally posted by Golub
Are c3-sicilians "open game" like..?
In some lines it can be open, but in most line they are semi-open. It depends of which lines white would choose.

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It looks kind of "odd". Does this move have any adherents among grandmasters etc..?

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Originally posted by Golub
It looks kind of "odd". Does this move have any adherents among grandmasters etc..?
Frankly, does it matter if it does? You can also try the Gran Prix attack or KIA against the sicillian. I know the Bb4 systems are very popular with my friends. I personally prefer the open lines and have taken to playing 6. Rg1 against najdorf/schevenegen setups. I am happy playing the Yugoslav against the dragon.

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I prefer playing openings that I know makes it all the way, not just to play against low-level players. I suppose it's a matter of making a solid choice. If the best players in the world do not play the move, I would by the minimum like to understand why, before I chose to play it myself.

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Originally posted by zebano
Frankly, does it matter if it does? You can also try the Gran Prix attack or KIA against the sicillian. I know the Bb4 systems are very popular with my friends. I personally prefer the open lines and have taken to playing 6. Rg1 against najdorf/schevenegen setups. I am happy playing the Yugoslav against the dragon.
The KIA is a nice simple variation to learn.

And, to a large extent, white controls the direction of play.

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Originally posted by Golub
It looks kind of "odd". Does this move have any adherents among grandmasters etc..?
Sveshnikov (Have written book about this line "Sicilian for amateurs" in 2 volumes), Tiviakov, Rozentalis, Sermek, Rausis, Vorotnikov, Pavasovic etc.

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Originally posted by Korch
2.c3
Agreed. It may not produce the best positions for white, but it gets black off balance right off, grabs space in the center, and should appeal to any 1.e4 player that likes to stick to the classical ideals.

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Originally posted by zebano
Frankly, does it matter if it does? You can also try the Gran Prix attack or KIA against the sicillian. I know the Bb4 systems are very popular with my friends. I personally prefer the open lines and have taken to playing 6. Rg1 against najdorf/schevenegen setups. I am happy playing the Yugoslav against the dragon.
Freak Attack is great.

I think the Open is white's best, and if you're set on trying anti-Sicilians I'd say 2.c3 or 2.Na3.

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I like the Smith-Morra Gambit: 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cd 3 c3 dc Nc3. Teenage IM Alex Lenderman said in a recent Chess Life interview that most of his upset wins were on the White side of the Smith-Morra! If an IM can take GM scalps with it, then it is certainly suitable for us mere mortals. Lenderman says that he almost always plays the Smith-Morra Gambit no matter how strong the opponent.

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Originally posted by Golub
I've switched back to what I played first 1. e4 and my results are better than with 1. d4

But my problem is to find a line against the sicilian that I like. I tried playing the chameleon variation for a while, but realized there are forced variations into waters I do not like. Any ideas on other lines? I like to play the open games.
My favorite line nowadays is 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3, and if 2 d6, play 3 c3. This line is full of traps.

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I don't understand whenever someone asks for opening advice everyone just immedietely spews out wild sideline variations and illogical attacks.

2. c3 is a solid variation, I agree. The Sicilian is by far the most popular and effective response to e4. It has about a 46.5% percentage against e4 while the other openings, french, symmetrical, modern, caro, pirc, alekhine, sit at 44% or below. That's a pretty good sized gap.

In addition, 2. Nf3 has also been found to be white's best response.

Point being, if you want attacking games there are tons to be found in "regular" Sicilian lines. Also what's it to you what the Grandmasters play? Answer: Grandmasters play 2. Nf3.

Also, why do you ask other people what to play in a chess game?? Other people are at different skill levels and tastes, so why don't you try out your own openinngs and see what you like instead of have everyone spit out their personalities at you.

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