sicilian defense

i think the Sicilian is a very effective counter to 1. e4 please post your favorite lines thanks

i like the dragon

please post the move lines too thanks want to master the sicilian

 I don't know what this is called, but i like it.  the intent is 4...Nc3

3...a6?????

also is there any gambits for black?

my apologies chesschamp.

dragon variation: 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cd4 4 Nd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 g6 (intending to fianchetto bishop on g7)

Grensley, I believe that is a form of the Kan. Yes, you can move the Knight to c3, but you can do a bunch of other things. You see, the Kan is a very flexible variation for black with an elastic-like approach to defending and counter-attacking. You can do many approaches with it, such as adopt a Hedgehog formation. The regular move order is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6. Possible black white responses are Bd3, Nc3, and c4. Bd3 is the most flexible and main line, but it gives Black many options also. Some possible responses to Bd3 are Nf6, Bc5, Qc7, Qb6, g6, Nc6, Ne7, and d5. Against Nc3, Black can do Qc7 and b5. Against the maroczy bind with c4, it is 5...Nf6 6. Nc3 Bd3. Also, the Kan does not have as much opening theory as the other sicilians, which allows you to think on your feet and makes it one of the easiest sicilians to learn.

but still 3...a6?????

the dragon main line

1 e4      c5

2 Nf3    d6

3 d4     cxd4

4 Nxd4  Nf6

5 Nc3    g6

6 Be3    Bg7

7 f3      o-o

8 Qd2   Nc6

 

the reply by white above i think its called yugoslav attack which is the most powerfull against the dragon , it usually castle queen side

Despite what it may seem to be, a6 is a good move. It removes the possibilty of a Bb5 pin or check, it prepares to set up a hedgehog (if you want to set it up), and it prepares the b7-b5 sicilian lunge, which is common in the sicilian. It starts an initiative on the queenside, and the pawn can move down to b4, where it is typical for a knight to be placed. If you think a6 is weak, look at the najdorf and schevenigen variations of the sicilian. They both also move a6 at one point or another.

there is also a controversial move in that variation with 6.g4?!

As white I like to play the morra-smith gambit.

Whatever you do, after 4. Nc3, DO NOT allow white to gain control of territory. YOU LOSE if that happens.

 

I always lose if i play too passively. That doesn't mean force things, but try to make a few trades early on to give them little to move in their large space and you maximum mobility

pcfilho wrote:

Recently, I loved playing the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. f4! I still haven't found references to it in books, but I've been playing some nice games with it!

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According to the Shredder online database 5. f4 scores 51.6% off of 1934 games.  Its not that unusual you're just checking the wrong sources.

pcfilho , you need to get better sources as 6 f4 against the najdorf is well known and in my database there are over 5000 games with it. You must not have any decent opening books .

chesschamp1020 wrote:

i think the Sicilian is a very effective counter to 1. e4 please post your favorite lines thanks

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Sometimes, depends on what you are trying to accomplish.  It does seem to give the best chance for a black win but with higher risks for a black loss.  Although there is some value to gathering information about an opening by anecdotal means you need to have some basis to use that information.  Given your response to Smily16 I gather you are to familar with the basic Sicilian formations.  You need that information.  It might help if you write it out or chart it.  Here is some basic information:

1. e4 c5  Sicilian

2. f4 (Grand Prix)/Bc4/Nc3 (Closed)/b3/g3/d4 (Morra Gambit)/c3 (Alapin)  are a variety of moves which White can play (some better than others) which fall in the category "Anti-Sicilians"  There is another set starting at move 3 which use Bb5 with or without the check called the Rosslimo and Moscow.

2. Nf3 leads to the first decision by black.  The standard moves are e6, d6 and Nc6.  These can transpose to each other although e6 probably transposes least.

2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cd 4. Nxd4 ... 2 main choices for black are Nc6-Taminov and a6 called either Kan or Paulsen.

2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cd 4.Nxd4 (White can play 4. Qxd4 Nc6 5. Bb5... used to be to avoid ML but it is getting more theory these days) 4....Nf3 5. Nc3 ... (take the time to see why each of these stem moves was made).  Now we get to the real choices.

5....a6  Najdorf  also a common route to the Scheveningen to avoid the 6. g4 Keres attack by White.

5. ...g6 Dragon

5... Nc6 Classical

5....e6 Scheveningen

This is just to give you a handle when people start throwing out names without me copying over a book.  There are more and many subvariations have names: Sozin, Richter Rauzer, Yugoslav, Accelerated Dragon, etc.  Remember chess has a rich history and culture, it is more than just a game.

I'm working through a variety of lines right now, trying to find the ones I like best from both sides.  Main work to date has been prepping against Anti's, work on the e6 lines, Accel Dragon and now I'm going to check out the Classical.

 

Best of luck with your games.

CarlMI,

Can I quote your info on the Sicilian that you posted above? I would love to send it out to my email newsletter.

 

Rob

As a beginner, my openings are responsive in that they either attack or defend.  What could you say about the strategy behind 2. Nf3, other than being merely developmental?

Rob,

Feel free, I hope it helps.