How about this against the Najdorf: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.Bc4. The idea is of course to control the d5 square, which is black's weakness in the Najdorf.
Lines against the Sicilian
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May 16, 2019
0
#3
Can I ask why exactly you're dissatisfied with with your current opening? I get the sense that it's because you're having trouble breaking down lower rate opponents when they play defensively. The thing is though, I don't think the lines you're talking about playing are going to help with that much, as they all tend to lead to fairly closed, positional games despite some of them being technically open Sicilians. My own opinion is that you should do one of two things. If you want quiet-ish lines without much theory pick one of the anti-Sicilians you already have experience with (Alapin or Rossolimo would be good) and get lots of practice handling the positions that arise in that. Or, if you're looking for open, tactical games go for the open Sicilian main lines, but accept now that you'll need to learn some theory. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, but I think trying to play the open Sicilian while getting around theory could end up with the worst of both worlds where you're attacking options are limited and the opponent gets to play positions they're familiar with.
I'm not sure they have to be closed positional lines. The Levenfish is quite aggressive, and I've just been looking at 6.Qf3 against the Najdorf.
May 17, 2019
0
#5
6.Qf3 in the Najdorf sounds ok, but a bit unusual. I'm really not a fan of the Levenfish, though. As long as black knows enough not play Bg7 in that line it doesn't seem terribly dangerous to them. Maybe I just haven't studied it enough though. Anyway I still think you'd be better off either playing one easy to learn and remember anti-Sicilian or else just going for it with the aggressive main lines of the open Sicilian. But I could be wrong and best of luck to you with whatever repertoire you settle on.
A longish time ago, someone wrote a book advocating an open Sicilian repertoire with a kingside fianchetto in most variations. Probably not what I'm looking for, but it sounded interesting anyway. Anyone remember it?
If you want lines with little theory which are a bit rare, then you might want to check out the Secrets of opening surprises series.
I've been through most of the anti-Sicilian lines over the years - the Closed, Grand Prix, Alapin, Rossolimo, Moscow, and, most recently, 2.c4, and had similar results with all of them. I'm beginning to feel dissatisfied - especially against weaker players I'd like a sharper, more open game, and would love to take up the Open Sicilian. The only thing that puts me off is the great number of lines that you need to learn. So I'm considering this approach.
Against 2...e6, King's Indian Attack
Against 2...Nc6, Rossolimo
Against 2...d6, Open
That way I wouldn't have to learn so many lines. I would think most of those 2...d6 players would go for the Dragon or the Najdorf. I like the Levenfish against the Dragon - not sure about the Najdorf yet, but probably one of the quieter lines such as Be2. Any thoughts?