Sicilian Defense Variations

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29th March 2008, 05:39pm
#1
by Ajfonty
New Jersey United States
Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 94

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?


29th March 2008, 05:50pm
#2
by Chesspaladin
Luquillo Puerto Rico
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 25
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.
15th May 2008, 03:21pm
#3
by markkuhar83
Slovenia
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 8
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?
15th May 2008, 04:53pm
#4
by Chesspaladin
Luquillo Puerto Rico
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 25

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.


16th May 2008, 01:14am
#5
by Dmytro
Kiev Ukraine
Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 982

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.


16th May 2008, 02:31am
#6
by cheesehat
Sydney Australia
Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 196

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. 

 


19th May 2008, 04:25pm
#7
by markkuhar83
Slovenia
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 8
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...
 

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