Hey everyone.

I have been playing chess seriously for the past year now, and I wish to venture into the realm of the Sicilian as black. I was wondering, however, which variation is best for a player first trying out the defense. I was looking at many (Najdorf, Sveshnikov, Dragon, etc.) but I am not sure which to study. I don't want to buy books for each, rather trying to specify in one at this moment.

Which variation would you reccomend?

hi Ajfonty, I chosed the Najdorf Defence as my main defence against 1.e4 for the past year, and this Defence has come forth for me in my tournament games. I loved the defence so much that I bought a book about it. Either case, it's more about taste, for me, I liked the flexibility of the system, as well it's attacking potential.

i really like the opening of the sicilian defense (1. e4, c5).  i consider myself primarily a positional/defense player, but i also don't hesitate to attack when i can.  can someone recommend a Sicilian variation(s) for me?

markkuhar83 

Try Caro-Kan (not a sicilian opening) 1.e4 c6. I've played this opening as well. It is pretty useful when you know your opponents way of play.

I also recommend you Naidorf variation. And you may be noticed that other sicilian systems could also gave naidorf-like positions - Scheveningen, Sozin system for example.  I don't know USA books, but here (Ukraine) we have even some old (soviet) books like "sicilian middlegame" or "sicilian positions" in which authors describe the common thing of sicilain games.

Also you may consider Dragon if you like it. It's very sharp.

The Najdorf is the most popular, according to wikipedia, but that does not necessarily mean it is best. I like it however, and there is no real proof that it is BAD, so why not try it?

 

Dragon allows yugoslav attack, something I would rather avoid as black. 

 

thanks to everyone for the suggestions - i am definitely a fan of the Najdorf variation.  the others are a bit ambitious for me at least for now...