Main ideas for white in the Open Sicilian?

What are the main ideas for white and black in the Open Sicilian after Nxd4? I always do terribly as white, and I figure I might as well learn how to play against the Sicilian head on.

I only need the main ideas to get me up to about 1500 level.  If I understand correctly, black is counting on his open c file and the better endgame it will give him, no?

As for white, I have no idea.  Intiative and attack, I suppose.  But what are the main ideas and essential moves to aim for?  I'll take the 15 minute version.

If only it could be that simplified. Sicilian is an enormously vast opening. Pay close attention to Black's fifth move since it defines that opening. Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, etc. Even here it is enormously vast. But pick one and go from there.

I use to suffer with the Open Sicilian as well. When I was in the 1000-1400 range. I believe the main problem is usually players playing the black side have more resources/knowledge in the positions and I have found them to be more prepared. Which if you have hard times dealing with the Sicilian. It def will make things even harder.

I do believe one day you will want to learn the Open Sicilian. The reason why is becuase the Open Sicilian offers white more of a chance to maintain a slight advantage/ small edge. Which when you play white you will want to try and keep that edge as long as possible.

However, If your short term goal at the moment is to reach 1500 in level. My advice would be to prolong your study of the Open Sicilian some more. Until you get some more understanding and higher level.

If you are trying to reach 1500. I have a recommendation for you which might help you achieve that goal. Once you reach 1500 and become stronger than you can tackle the Open Sicilian head on with better understanding over all.

I will admit I did do that same approach lol. I have barely started looking at the Open Sicilian even at my level because it is just so huge. I  believe there are over 20 lines in the Sicilian Defence that black can play. Its a huge mess.

From the way your post came across to me. It seems like you are struggling with the Sicilian. The recommendation I have for you is a line which is more of an Anti-Sicilian type of line. I believe it might help you reach 1500 with out all of the headache of dealing with alot of sicilian lines. This line I am showing you is sound. So it is not a terrible line. In high level chess some GM's play it. Most GM's like the Open Sicilian becuase it maintains an advantage longer. This line usually does allow black to equalize if they know how. However, even though the position is equal white still has good chances.

The line I am recommending is called the Grand Prix Attack.

It can be very aggressive in attacking and it can also be very positional.

So it is very flexible. You can have it go to which style suits you the best.

Again this is just an option. I have played this line. I have had wonderful attacking games with it.

The good thing about this line is if you learn it you will always have it as one of your back up lines. Which might help you spring it on people every once and a while as a surpise weapon.

The link below is a post to my blog. You can see how I talk about some of its idea's and themes.

http://www.chess.com/blog/X_PLAYER_J_X/understanding-the-grand-prix-attack

The link below is a post to my forum. You can see how I play the line against other people. I also add commentary to my games so you can see what I was thinking when I made my moves etc. I believe its always nice to have other options.

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/grand-prix-attack13

Again if you feel your not ready for the Open Sicilian there is no need to rush yourself. There is also no shame in just waiting and trying to learn it later on. I do not believe anyone would critize you. In fact, I have done the same approach. I feel it has not bothered me one bit.

For the open sicilian, there are many of them to look at:
You have
Najdorf, Dragon, Sveshnikov, Accelerated Dragon, Kan(I do remeber that by Paulsen), Classical  and I have no idea about exact others.

Anyhow:

Dragon

Najdorf:

Sveshnikov:

Accelerated dragon:

Thanks for the repies.  

I think it would be useful if there was a site with "The 10 Most Instructive Games for the Sicilian Najdorf", "The 10 Most Instructive Games for the Sicilian Dragon", and so on...

At least then one could learn the main ideas.  What do you think?

people really havent answered your question.

White's ideas in the open siclian are to use the natural lead in  development and space to generate an attack on the black king. 

basically all the lines for white are using pawn breaks to break down the black position QUICKLY. e5, f2-f4-f5, h4-h5 are all options.
The issue is that black has two central pawns and has better long term chances once they catch up in development if white hasnt created some sort of attack or weaknesses to target.

I would strongly recommend getting the book called "pawn structure chess" by andrew soltis. he covers the basic ideas for you 

No one has answered his question because giving generalizations, chess principles, and themes to a beginner about the Sicilian Defence is chess suicide. It is one of the sharpest defensive lines in all of chess.

The Sicilian Defence encompasses over 20+ lines. Some of the lines are considered very sharp play. Some of the theory goes 20 moves deep if not more. Which can be seen in alot of variations such as Posion Pawn Variation of the Najdorf. Sicilian Dragon, Yugoslav Attack. The Sicilian Najdorf, English attack.

Than to top off the extremely sharp play there is also extremely positional play with positional binds such as the Macrozy Bind, with positional weakness such as Rossilimo Attack, and Hedgehog structures.

What the OP needs is a tutorial someone to walk him through each move to explain what is going on. The problem is it takes alot of time doing that and I would but I am making articles on other stuff at the moment. I don't have the time. If you want to be the one who does it go for it.

If not than the OP needs to either wait,  change lines, or search. He can search for youtube videos which explain stuff to him. Other options are searching other blogs people have made which explain the moves and idea's step by step. Some other idea's involve getting some books with it.

I do plan on making an article about the Najdorf since I find making articles about lines helps you learn them through the process. Yet I'm doing the Hippo defence at the moment.

Maybe he should consider the Grand Prix attack and the  Hippo Defence for a short time lol.

Actually if you want to get a book on the sicilian - there is Experts vs The sicilian by quallity chess which looks at most critical lines vs every major sicilian variation there is.

I have mainly played the Open Sicilian as White from the beginning and I still don't know a great deal about them. In fact, I barely know about any variations. However, I can say that, from my experience, Sicilian is not much of an "ideas" opening as Queen's Gambit or Ruy Lopez. It's more of a concrete opening for the most part  where tactics predominate. However, some very general ideas for White that helped me to formulate plan when I'm stuck are:

1. go 0-0-0 and throw your f/g/h pawns up the board
2. go 0-0 and throw your f pawn (sometimes g pawn as well) up the board
3. set up a Maroczy bind with c4 and slowly exchange pieces to your likings
4. If he has d6-e5 pawns structure, put a knight on d5 at all cost and then go from there

No idea what your talking about all 3 of the lines you mentioned have idea's. They can be very sharp. They are very complex.

Queens Gambit, Ruy Lopez, and Sicilian Defense

Many Grand Masters like to play sharp, complex, and in some situations they try to play complicated lines in order to mess up there opponent so they can win.

As you become a stronger chess player your knowledge of complexity increases. Allowing you to handle and deal with more complex lines.

Your idea that general principles are some how flawed is a popular idea. Just memorize openings and that the answer but your logic is flawed in thats now how humans learn. We learn tings by going from generalizations to specific. Players have to learn the general plans/ideas first so they understand the direction the specifics are taking.  Skipping over this results in a lot of memorization with no understanding of the why something is done. Stong players already understand what they are trying to accomplish so all you get are a list of moves.

Another trick to learn how to break down openings is to study them as black. I would recommend the series by Chessstars , the sharpest siclian is the Najdorf. I love their structure , simple games and ideas first then more detailed theory in the part 2 of each line. 

One problem with playing a system like the Bb5 , c3 , closed, grand prix, etc against the siclian is you lose flexibility in your learning base. You get used to one structure and will only feel comfortable in one structure. Players will get a sense of security in those lines and do quite well but face problems once reaching players who have a system against those system players. Now they try to change their approach and suddenly are behind the curve and understanding in any structure outside of their pet system and start to lose games.

Yes its difficult to play chess, yes you  and everyone else will struggle agianst  plans your opponent plays but this is just the nomal process of learning.

As a note: in the maroczy bind the idea is actually to avoid piece trades for white if possible due to having more space.

This answer is short and sweet. I play the smith-morra gambit with white. Win or lose, its fun.

I am no expert, but these are my guidelines in the Open Sicilian:

In general the theory says that black equalises when it breaks free with a "clean" d5. A clean one would be one where white cannot play e5 or when the exchange on d5 does not result in an isolated black pawn on d5. (However black could equalise even with an "unclean" d5.) So a line of play is to prevent the d5 break.

1. If black does not play Nf6 at the fourth move (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 (e6 Nc6) 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4), then I almost always play c4. It is not always a correct move but at my level my opponents have rarely refuted c4. It has the advantage that it makes the d5 break almost impossible for black. You have two options for the king-side pawn structure. The common setup is with the f pawn to f3. This solidly defends the e4 pawn, makes your c3 knight mobile and you aim to place it on d5. Also it controls the g4 square, thus black cannot chase your bishop from e3 with Nf6->g4. Your bishop from e3 plus the knight c3->d5 can control the b6 square. If black plays a6 you can put some pressure on b6 either with the knight (checking the rook on a8 or c8) or with the bishop, checking the queen on d8. Typically I do not capture Nd4xc6 because black would capture bxc6 and control the d5 square. The f3 setup has the disadvantage that black controls e5 and it will place the c6 knight on e5, threatening the c4 pawn. Black will place its bishop on e6, the knight on e5, the rook on c8, all aiming at c4. White will put the knight on d5 (cutting the diagonal e6-c4 between the black bishop on e6 and the white pawn on c4), the rook on c1, and the bishop on e2. If black trades the e6 bishop with the white d5 knight, then I capture with c4. The c-file is open and we fight for it. White tries putting pressure on c7, on the b-file (Qb3 or Qb4), doubling the rooks on the c-file etc. Black tries e6 or f5.

The second pawn structure is with the f pawn on f4. This has the advantage of controlling e5. But it does not control g4 and the white bishop on e2 must control g4 against the annoying Ng4. The structure is more mobile and more vulnerable. e4 is not anymore so solid.

2. Black plays Nf6 before white has a chance to play c4. In this case white defends e4 with Nc3. Typically you castle short against the Scheveningen (black pawns at d6 and e6) and against the systems with e7-e5, and you castle long against the Dragon (g6 and Bg7). When you castle short, you play f4, but care should be taken against black playing Qb6. Often white plays Kh1 in order to avoid the pin on the b6-g1 diagonal. Depending on the position of your white bishop, you try either f5 (your bishop on b3) or e5 (your bishop on e2 or f3). Against the Scheveningen often white plays Be2, Qe1->g3. The queen on g3 is protected from knight attacks on h5 by the bishop on e2. It also supports the e5 push and controls the g7 square. I have no precise recommendation, but the idea is to attack the castled king: e5, Qg3, Bh6, rook lift Rf3, doubling of rooks on the f file, combined with threats on d6, etc. If not Be2, Qe1->g3, then I try Bf1->c4->b3 and pushing f4-f5.

A different line against the Scheveningen goes by pushing the pawn to g4 quite fast. It is called the Keres attack. (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6. 5. Nc3 e6 6. g4). This is sharp, but the idea is to storm the king side with g4, h4, Rg1, etc. Either you leave the king in the centre, or you castle long. Apparently it is so nasty that black avoids it by delaying e6 (it plays 5... a6).

Against the Dragon, (g6 with Ng7), you have the advanced pawn on g6 that is something that you can attack. In this case, you play Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0. The pawn structure this time is not anymore with f4, but with f3. You attack with h4 aiming at h5 in order to open the h-file. Black will block you by playing h5. You try to undermine it with g4, supported by f3 and the bishop on e2. Black has a quite good control on g4 (the h5 pawn, the knight on f6, the bishop on d7) so it's not really easy.

3. Black may sometimes not block its black bishop, i.e. black may play e6 without d6. This is a totally different flavour of the Sicilian. It may put pressure on e4 by pinning the knight on c3 with the bishop on b4. Then white may support the e4 pawn with the bishop on d3. I have no experience with this system but the idea is for white to exploit the hole on d6.

Please take this recommendations with a grain of salt. I have not studied theory seriously and my recommendations could be worthless.

Yes the three things I mentioned are "ideas". 

Yes there are "ideas" even in Sicilian.

Every opening has "ideas"

I guess what I'm trying to say is, those "ideas" in Sicilian are much more closely tied with concrete tactics of the position than QG or RL (I'm talking in general term, I know RL can get very sharp and etc). So if OP wants to get to 1500, he should understand that getting more aquainted with tactics is the way to go. Not that knowing some ideas hurt, but by themselves, they're not the one that brings him up to 1500s.

I mean the 4 that I listed are pretty much all I know myself, and I got past 1500, so take that for what you want.

Yes, but AT SOME POINT, you're going to have to trade pieces obviously. That's why I said "to your likings", meaning when it's favorable. It's not like youre going to checkmate black with all the piece still on in the Maroczy.

The best thing you can take away from this is there is no easy solution, on how to play agianst the siclian as white. it is far and away the most complex of all the openings (the theory is massive). 

- read Andy soltis pawn structure chess and you will get some standard plans down. if you want to study something more concrete be prepared to start working hard but as you improve and study your rating will go up too. 

1500 players do NOT need more than a few basic plans and some of the typical traps to play any opening at their level. I know for a fact one of my students made it to 1800+ USCF with VERY little opening knowledge other than basic principles and a few key ideas. (they are U18 and over 2100, I dont coach them any longer though )

The siclian has many sharp lines and if you play the open game you will win and lose many games as white. keep going and you will learn a lot

I don't know if you was talking to me or not. However, If you was I will say general principles are flawed. It is not a popular idea. It is a fact.

General principles are not a substitution for opening knowledge. It never has been and never will be.

My logic isn't flawed.

Your statement below is simply an assumption.

Just memorize openings and that the answer but your logic is flawed in thats now how humans learn.

I never told him to memorize an opening. I told him to learn an opening that is fairly easy to understand at his level. The Open Sicilian is very complex. I would not tell a player ranked 1300 to learn the Open Sicilian. I believe there are other lines he can learn which are alot easier. Once his ranking improves and his knowledge improves. He can than go back to the Open Sicilian.

Your statement below is simply another assumption.

One problem with playing a system like the Bb5 , c3 , closed, grand prix, etc against the siclian is you lose flexibility in your learning base.

You don't lose flexibility. In fact, It broadens your overall understanding. No one in chess is forced to have only 1 line the rest of there life. They can play other lines as they improve to add more spicy into there life.

Many GrandMasters have a wide range of openings they have played and used. Anyone could try and follow there foot steps. It is not unheard of to have knowledge about multiple lines.

The OP wants to reach 1500. He is currently ranked 1300. Why learn the Open Sicilian if all he wants to do is reach 1500.

A metaphor I would give you would be like buying a Brand new car just to drive next door. Why spend thousands to buy a Brand New Car when all you are interested in is going next door. Your better off just walking or getting a little scooter/bike.

Why spend so much time learning the Open Sicilian when you only want to increase 200 points. Your better off just waiting picking a simple line.

In chess there are complex lines but there are also easy lines. Why go for complex if your really not that far off your target. I would pick the easy line than gain 200 points after which you can always decided to go from there. The Open Sicilian is not going any where.

Very good posts by X_J_X. At least he gives it to you straight and writes stuff that players trying to improve their rating can benefit from, instead of blokes rambling on thinking they know it all while only sounding like a squeaky balloon releasing air.

One problem with playing a system like the Bb5 , c3 , closed, grand prix, etc against the siclian is you lose flexibility in your learning base.

You don't lose flexibility. In fact, It broadens your overall understanding. No one in chess is forced to have only 1 line the rest of there life. They can play other lines as they improve to add more spicy into there life.

Many GrandMasters have a wide range of openings they have played and used. Anyone could try and follow there foot steps. It is not unheard of to have knowledge about multiple lines.

I would disagree and other GMs do as well. The problem, in my mind, with approaches like the c3, rossilimo and grand prix is that the benefit and problem are the same, they give a player a reduced number of plans and therefore good move options are reduced and it becomes easier to play and thusly get a better results, for a short time. A nice clean area BUT this is also the downfall as well.

As a coach I have watched kids who are taught a 'system' approach by other coaches and while it is successful right up to about 1500 their progress drops off dramatically around this time as their opponents learn they are too dogmatic, their knowledge base too narrow and experience limited to one group of structures and plans. They feel uncomfortable about changing into the open siclian because of the immediate losses they will suffer and the discomfort they feel in finding good moves so they fall back and try to work harder on refining their system.

Its simple,,... work on your weakest area.

- The Improvement of tactics and calculation is the number one goal for all amateurs and to do that you must jump into the pit and get bloody.  

Why is investing in the open siclian worthwhile? Because there are similarities fow white in them regardless of the siclian black plays plays, (other than the Sveshnikov which is its own beast)  While there are minor details that change your specific moves and approach this is also important in long term learning. It teaches the player to be aware of their options and the importance of paying attention to your opponent's ideas and moves as well. You can not just whip out the first few opening moves and then start to think. The losses tend to be tactical and calculation based, one move and things implode, not this slow grind chess with += positions GMs/IMs like to torture thier opponents with. reinforcing the habits of awareness and calculation. The open siclian will teach you about tactics and calculation so its a tricky way for coaches to get you to work on this. Btw dont worry about studying more than 6-10 moves, after say 0-0, just the ideas of what your trying for will work for now.

- General principles will always lose to the concrete variations true, I stated as such. but you must have a plan first! It doesnt matter if its a bad one or good one for now, its that you had an idea and were trying to implement in the most effective manner with moves (ie calculation). A plan is based on assessment of the position and is the hardest part of chess to improve.  Tactical improvement is actually the easiest and most straight forward, boring as all get out, but the easiest to understand.The idea/plan is what takes the most time to learn and practice.

- I have reached 1800+ playing plans with VERY limited knowledge of openings and taught players who have reached that level as well.  I can play the open siclian as well. Do I get blow apart in some positions? sure! That happens in all sharp openings and to avoid those sharp openings because its dangerous and requires work is just a bad habit to get into. 

- Also amateurs do not know as much about the open siclian or any other opening as they like to think they do.  How many times have players who are booked up gone wrong right after they played their final move of prep? (see gelfand in recent tournament, who luckily drew, in a rather humorous fashion.)

- My advice to the OP stands. Work on the open siclian. Dont avoid it. There will be painful road blocks but your improvement will be faster and longer term if you do so. For those suggesing a system like the grand prix guess what? Every siclian player as a system they play against these "anti siclians" and they will generate equal frustrations for you. there is no easy solution.  To solve these problems you will have to invest the same time and effort into them as any other opening so why not continue on the same path and use it to improve the areas your weak at.  Yes the open siclian is broad but once you get the groove down for attacking you will be a monster. Find games by Shabalov, Shirov and a lesser known IM Emory Tate (a beast in the open siclians as white) to start with where they play someone thats say 2100-2300.  look for wins under 30 moves. When you see a cool crushing win check out the setup before that. Look for moves that waste time? unnecessary maneuvers: did they move a pawn in a sharp position? Did they move a piece more than once ? sometimes it doesnt matter but often it does have a long term effect.