Sicilian - advice sought

Hi,

recently played black using sicilian - anybody any thoughts on the strengths or more lilkely weaknesses in my thinking here :

In my opinion, it's tough to gauge Black's success based on White's play. White wastes quite a few tempos by creating an unnecessary wall on the Kingside as well as retreating his Knight randomly.

I guess one of the strengths of the Sicilian is that the e-pawn and d-pawn really slow White's attack, allowing you to catch up. But you probably won't be able to get away with so many pawn moves in the opening if White focused on building up his attack.

As is, you might be facing some pressure on the d-file if White decides to castle on the Queenside. This will also free him up to push the Kingside pawns for a nice attack.

Thanks for the replies

There are a lot of things here. Ignoring more advanced issue of move transposition (white chose nc3 with the goal of cutting down your choices) and the relative merits of 2.. e6 vs 2.. a6 and all that..

I don't love 7... h6 - I think Black is falling behind in development

8.. Nf6  now I wonder if maybe Be7 or just Qh4+ is better (I might risk the Queen move as the lack of development is compensated by White losing the ability to castle.

9.. Now after Be3 you lose your chance to keep the White King in the center.

When you are trying to evaluate your opening positions.. look at development (pieces not pawns) king safety, pawn structure (any pawns that are isolated?) space (how much territory do you control) and control of the center.

With a 1054 rating, why are you playing the Sicilian? Nobody below 1500 (at least!) should be playing the Sicilian. Until your overall chess knowledge is greater, you should be sticking to openings that are easier to understand, ie 1. e4 e5 from both sides.

Probably true.

Thanks guys....just really like the Sicilian. Ruy Lopez can be played blindfold for first 18 moves or so!!!!

Lol, and the Sicilian can be played sleep deprived, naked and blindfolded to move 30 or so.