the sicilian is a response to kings pawn opening. (1.e4 c5)
1.d4 c5 is the old benoni.
1..g6 shouldnt be passive, grunfeld, KID, benoni, pirc and modern are all aggressive defenses.
When considering what opening you want to pick up, the best thing to do is pick one that leads to positions YOU enjoy playing. You should keep it within reason if you wish to improve, but you will play better in positions you like, rather than ones you play just because they give better chances according to GMs.
Better 1.d4 Response Than 1...g6?
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Fear_ItseIf wrote:
When considering what opening you want to pick up, the best thing to do is pick one that leads to positions YOU enjoy playing. You should keep it within reason if you wish to improve, but you will play better in positions you like, rather than ones you play just because they give better chances according to GMs.
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Plus all those exclams will really freak your opponent out.
So 1...g6 gives you passive games and you like the Grunfeld because of the limited variations to remember? I don't know what game you're talking about, but this is a chess forum 
I suggest 1...d5 with a tarrasch defense in mind (pawns on d5, c5 and e6). My reasoning is this is a classic set up which is useful in many openings, but also no matter what white plays you'll likely get to open a file within the first 10 moves. If you complain that 1...g6 is giving you passive positions, you may want to avoid closed positions in this way.
If you like your pawns on dark squares e.g. a sicilian or some pirc-modern openings, then for a similar feel I might suggest the old indian (it's like a pirc but your bishop goes to e7 instead). It's solid and there's actually not much to memorize in this one 
You'll hold a strong point at e5 (keep protecting e5, and don't play exd until you've at least castled) and it can involve queenside play like a sicilian, although you may run the risk of getting cramped/passive if you've never played it.
wafflemaster, thank you.
That was a well thought out, helpful reply. I very much appreciate it. I will look at the Old Indian and see what it can do for me.
For others who have replied, I thank you as well. I should mention, I'm not looking for just a defense GM's suggest, but indeed one that I will enjoy playing and work well with. However, that's tough to figure out without playing about 20 games with each possible defense option! I don't always have a lot of time to do that, and was hoping to get some leads on defenses that might work well for me.
Thanks again!
Greetings all!
I'm looking for some help, advice, and suggestions.
As black, I enjoy the Sicilian Defense in response to Queen Pawn openings. However, for King Pawn openings, I've used the Grunfield/Modern defense with 1...g6. I know how to play it, but feel that I could be doing something stronger and less passive.
I like the Grunfield mostly because I haven't had to remember much of a variety of responses. Almost always, after 1...g6, my opponent will move out their king pawn to e4 on the second move, having both of their central pawns extended. I usually then respond with 2...Bg7, and I have a structure that I'm very familiar with. I'm not saying it's strong, but I know it well. But other than the predictable first few moves, there hasn't been much more attracting me to it.
I'm looking for a different black defense to 1. d4 to begin learning and practice. What should I consider when choosing a new defense for this? What do YOU consider when you try out a new opening to add to your arsenal?
I have been told that I am good with tactics for the most part, but need to work on being a better positional player. Does that piece of info influence which black defense for 1. d4 I might prefer?
If you have a suggestion, please offer it, but also, please explain why you feel this is a good choice. It will also be helpful if you can discuss some of the theory and concepts behind the defense, so that I might make an informed decision, as there may be many different responses people might suggest. Also, as you learned this opening, what were some key things about it you noticed and liked about it?
Thanks for any help you offer!