If you are ahead in development in an open position and your opponent dawdles, then you should look for an opportunity to punish it. If you are behind then not-just develop and wait for a chance. In the Sicilian you start behind so if white plays a reasonable but not theoretical move, just develop and wait.
Is the Sicilian Defense a good defense for a low-rated player?
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Jun 8, 2020
0
#3
Is the Sicilian Defense a good opening for someone at my level (1300-1400)?
The Sicilian is one of the most theory intensive openings around. If you're prepared to memorize, and understand lines 20-3 moves deep then go for it. But also ask yourself this: "are openings deciding your games?"
I've fiddled with the opening but the problem so far is not the amount of theory but that no one knows it and it's hard to punish inaccuracies.
Thats because people at your rating level blinder, miss simple tactics, and dont follow opening principles. So no...you're not going to be able to "punish" it. Why? Because you dont know the opening. You dont understand the opening. You dont understand the pawn structure. You dont understand the "why" behind the piece placement. You dont understand the ideas.
For instance 1. e4, c5 2. Bc4 seems to be an obvious inaccuracy...
Really? Playing a move that develops a piece, fights for the center is an inaccuracy? Just further proof you should not be trying to play the Sicilian. The fact that you dont understand move 2 says a lot.
In addition the Sicilian defense seems revolve around complex positional concepts that are hard to grasp...
Do you understand the idea behind 1.e4 c5? What is black trying to accomplish? If you're struggling with answering move 2, then that tells you all you need to know.
...and it seems more positionally aggressive than tactically so.
What exactly does this mean?
In addition, from what I've read White gets a big attack early on and only in the late middle game does Black usually get to go on the offensive.
What side of the board does white play on? What side of the board does black play on?
Should I wait to play the Sicilian Defense until I'm better (if at all)?
Yes...you should wait. Or oyu can be like a lot of beginners/low rated players and play it anyway, and then get frustrated because it doesn't work like you think it should.
-Yes, not understanding the "why" is probably the biggest reason I've shied away from the Sicilian.
-If Bc4 isn't an inaccuracy then why does White score so poorly with it? And why don't we see it at the top level?
-Black is trying to unbalance the position with c5. The unbalancing is what I meant by positionally aggressive but I probably should have said strategically.
-There are some defenses in which Black counterattacks sooner than others. That much is obvious. And in the Sicilians the counterattack seems to happen later than others.
-My man, I'm just a beginner trying to understand. No need to be arrogant.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#5
Yes, not understanding the "why" is probably the biggest reason I've shied away from the Sicilian.
That right there is probably one of the most important things you can learn about openings.
If Bc4 isn't an inaccuracy then why does White score so poorly with it? And why don't we see it at the top level?
What you need to ask is "Why do you think its an inaccuracy?" Just because its not played at the top doesn't mean its not good, or playable. I have been playing a line of the Benko Gambit that is busted at top level play. So why do i play it? 2 reasons: 1. I'm not playing top level talent. 2. It works at my level. It has worked at USCF Expert level. One of the worst things player can do is get caught up in something not being playable just because GM's dont play it. Remember...you are not playing GM's.
Black is trying to unbalance the position with c5. The unbalancing is what I meant by positionally aggressive but I probably should have said strategically.
You still haven't explained "why" black plays 1...c5, and what it accomplishes. No offense, but you're just repeating chess jargon. Its the same thing as playing an opening you dont understand. But you play it because your favorite GM plays it.
There are some defenses in which Black counterattacks sooner than others. That much is obvious. And in the Sicilians the counterattack seems to happen later than others.
You still haven't answered what side of the board does each side play on, and why?
My man, I'm just a beginner trying to understand. No need to be arrogant.
I'm not being arrogant. I am simply trying to show you how you shouldn't be playing the Sicilian. I understand its a fun opening to play. So i get why people want to play it. But that's also like saying "I want to fly the space shuttle..." You dont just fly the space shuttle. You have to work your way up to it.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#6
Partly, it depends on your own goals. If your goal is just to win the chess game in front of you, then at your level responding to 1. e4 with 1. e5 (or responding to 1. d4 with 1. d5) is probably a better idea.
But if your goal is long-term improvement, even if you lose some games getting there, then openings like the Sicilian (against 1. e4) or one of the Indian defenses (against 1. d4) might give you experience with several different types of positions, and might point out to you which areas of your game require the most work.
Typically, players in the 1500 range benefit more from studying Tactics and Endgames (and later, Pawn structures in the center) than they would from learning opening lines.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#7
blueemu wrote:
Partly, it depends on your own goals. If your goal is just to win the chess game in front of you, then at your level responding to 1. e4 with 1. e5 (or responding to 1. d4 with 1. d5) is probably a better idea.
But if your goal is long-term improvement, even if you lose some games getting there, then openings like the Sicilian (against 1. e4) or one of the Indian defenses (against 1. d4) might give you experience with several different types of positions, and might point out to you which areas of your game require the most work.
Typically, players in the 1500 range benefit more from studying Tactics and Endgames (and later, Pawn structures in the center) than they would from learning opening lines.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#8
The only way to learn about it is to try it, see what happens. There are many types of Sicilian for black, if you do it I suggest pick one and play that for a period of time, try to learn about the ideas and plans. Then switch to another and do the same and so on. You will eventually settle on a preference. I suggest this way based on my own experience - every so often I will start playing something I don't normally. What I find happens is that I suffer some painful losses through lack of understanding but at the end of the process I will have a reasonable handle on what I should be doing. I then decide if I liked it or not (eg.i find it too cramped, I won some nice games etc) and I either keep playing it or not. It's all beneficial to becoming a rounded player. It's true that there is a lot of theory in Sicilian, but this is not so important at amateur level. The long term strategic plan is what is important to try to grasp. 'Punishing' inaccurate moves comes from a knowledge of what you and your opponent are trying to achieve. The 1.e4 c5 2.Bc4 stuff you mention is not so much an innaccuracy by white, but less critical than other choices. 2.e6 and a6 reasonably soon should mean this Bc4 is not an effective piece - black should be fine out of the opening, nothing more.
"Really? Playing a move that develops a piece, fights for the center is an inaccuracy? "
I didn't understand. Are you really saying that 2.Bc4 isn't an accuracy? Or were you saying this in order to make him explain why it isn't good?
Jun 8, 2020
0
#10
A-mateur wrote:
"Really? Playing a move that develops a piece, fights for the center is an inaccuracy? "
I didn't understand. Are you really saying that 2.Bc4 isn't an accuracy? Or were you saying this in order to make him explain why it isn't good?
2.Bc4 is perfectly playable. And yes it would be nice if the OP would explain why its an inaccuracy.
Radioheadtrip wrote:
-If Bc4 isn't an inaccuracy then why does White score so poorly with it? And why don't we see it at the top level?
You have to stick with strategy and the opening. If you are learning d6, then if doesnt stop you, play it.
What you dont want to do as a noob is try to learn all sicilians and be specialized at this point. You want to get farther into the game without these distractions.
If later and upwards in rating, one chooses to play e6 silician then black can put pressure on white...however that comes at a tradeoff. Now other moves can be played that wouldnt be with d6 sicilian perhaps.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#12
KetoOn1963 wrote:
Yes, not understanding the "why" is probably the biggest reason I've shied away from the Sicilian.
That right there is probably one of the most important things you can learn about openings.
If Bc4 isn't an inaccuracy then why does White score so poorly with it? And why don't we see it at the top level?
What you need to ask is "Why do you think its an inaccuracy?" Just because its not played at the top doesn't mean its not good, or playable. I have been playing a line of the Benko Gambit that is busted at top level play. So why do i play it? 2 reasons: 1. I'm not playing top level talent. 2. It works at my level. It has worked at USCF Expert level. One of the worst things player can do is get caught up in something not being playable just because GM's dont play it. Remember...you are not playing GM's.
Black is trying to unbalance the position with c5. The unbalancing is what I meant by positionally aggressive but I probably should have said strategically.
You still haven't explained "why" black plays 1...c5, and what it accomplishes. No offense, but you're just repeating chess jargon. Its the same thing as playing an opening you dont understand. But you play it because your favorite GM plays it.
There are some defenses in which Black counterattacks sooner than others. That much is obvious. And in the Sicilians the counterattack seems to happen later than others.
You still haven't answered what side of the board does each side play on, and why?
My man, I'm just a beginner trying to understand. No need to be arrogant.
I'm not being arrogant. I am simply trying to show you how you shouldn't be playing the Sicilian. I understand its a fun opening to play. So i get why people want to play it. But that's also like saying "I want to fly the space shuttle..." You dont just fly the space shuttle. You have to work your way up to it.
Depends on if you're being technical on the term innacuracy but 2.Bc4 is definitely an inaccuracy in my book. Its exactly like 2.Nf3 in the Caro-Kann where you're not losing but you've pretty much given black an easy game.
If the move had any merit you would see it covered by at least one book but no you won't.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#13
MarcoDiazz wrote:
KetoOn1963 wrote:
Yes, not understanding the "why" is probably the biggest reason I've shied away from the Sicilian.
That right there is probably one of the most important things you can learn about openings.
If Bc4 isn't an inaccuracy then why does White score so poorly with it? And why don't we see it at the top level?
What you need to ask is "Why do you think its an inaccuracy?" Just because its not played at the top doesn't mean its not good, or playable. I have been playing a line of the Benko Gambit that is busted at top level play. So why do i play it? 2 reasons: 1. I'm not playing top level talent. 2. It works at my level. It has worked at USCF Expert level. One of the worst things player can do is get caught up in something not being playable just because GM's dont play it. Remember...you are not playing GM's.
Black is trying to unbalance the position with c5. The unbalancing is what I meant by positionally aggressive but I probably should have said strategically.
You still haven't explained "why" black plays 1...c5, and what it accomplishes. No offense, but you're just repeating chess jargon. Its the same thing as playing an opening you dont understand. But you play it because your favorite GM plays it.
There are some defenses in which Black counterattacks sooner than others. That much is obvious. And in the Sicilians the counterattack seems to happen later than others.
You still haven't answered what side of the board does each side play on, and why?
My man, I'm just a beginner trying to understand. No need to be arrogant.
I'm not being arrogant. I am simply trying to show you how you shouldn't be playing the Sicilian. I understand its a fun opening to play. So i get why people want to play it. But that's also like saying "I want to fly the space shuttle..." You dont just fly the space shuttle. You have to work your way up to it.
Depends on if you're being technical on the term innacuracy but 2.Bc4 is definitely an inaccuracy in my book. Its exactly like 2.Nf3 in the Caro-Kann where you're not losing but you've pretty much given black an easy game.
If the move had any merit you would see it covered by at least one book but no you won't.
It also depends on who is playing it.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#15
SNUDOO wrote:
"is the sicilian defense good for a low rated player?"
ans: no
Jun 8, 2020
0
#16
MarcoDiazz wrote:
KetoOn1963 wrote:
[snip]
Depends on if you're being technical on the term innacuracy but 2.Bc4 is definitely an inaccuracy in my book. Its exactly like 2.Nf3 in the Caro-Kann where you're not losing but you've pretty much given black an easy game.
If the move had any merit you would see it covered by at least one book but no you won't.
I have a caro-kann book that covers 2.Nf3 
Usually involves a gambit of some kind.
Jun 8, 2020
0
#17
SNUDOO wrote:
MarcoDiazz wrote:
KetoOn1963 wrote:
[snip]
Depends on if you're being technical on the term innacuracy but 2.Bc4 is definitely an inaccuracy in my book. Its exactly like 2.Nf3 in the Caro-Kann where you're not losing but you've pretty much given black an easy game.
If the move had any merit you would see it covered by at least one book but no you won't.
I have a caro-kann book that covers 2.Nf3
Usually involves a gambit of some kind.
I didn't know that existed lol. What's the name?
Jun 8, 2020
0
#19
MarcoDiazz wrote:
SNUDOO wrote:
MarcoDiazz wrote:
KetoOn1963 wrote:
[snip]
Depends on if you're being technical on the term innacuracy but 2.Bc4 is definitely an inaccuracy in my book. Its exactly like 2.Nf3 in the Caro-Kann where you're not losing but you've pretty much given black an easy game.
If the move had any merit you would see it covered by at least one book but no you won't.
I have a caro-kann book that covers 2.Nf3
Usually involves a gambit of some kind.
I didn't know that existed lol. What's the name?
The 1999 book said it was the "Ulysses Gambit"
I've mostly played e4, e5 but I'm looking to branch out. Is the Sicilian Defense a good opening for someone at my level (1300-1400)? I've fiddled with the opening but the problem so far is not the amount of theory but that no one knows it and it's hard to punish inaccuracies. For instance 1. e4, c5 2. Bc4 seems to be an obvious inaccuracy but it's hard for player at my level to prove that. In addition the Sicilian defense seems revolve around complex positional concepts that are hard to grasp and it seems more positionally aggressive than tactically so. In addition, from what I've read White gets a big attack early on and only in the late middle game does Black usually get to go on the offensive. Should I wait to play the Sicilian Defense until I'm better (if at all)?