Sicilian Defense - help

Hello everyone.

I am an intermediate player ( 1300-1400 not yet tested here ). Scared by its complexity, I play Sicilian Defense only with White, when my opponent chooses it.  Always  2.Nf3,  3.d4,  4.Nxd4,  then I improvise following general openings concepts. Sometimes it works.  Nevertheless, this opening is so fascinating...  Well, I'd like to try it with Black, so I have two questions for you:

1) Do you think it is too early, considering my current level ?

2) Which variations could you recommend to me in order to build ( little by littlle, obviously ) a limited, essential, basic repertoire with 1.e4, c5 ?

Thank you ( and sorry for my english )

When I tried the sicilian I found it too complex for me, and I struggled to win as black. It is a really complex opening, and some of the ideas are not so concrete as you are used to. Also you will face a lot of anti-sicilians. over all it is a lot of work and theory for an opening, which is just not worth it at your level. I feel like you time would be better focused on something else.

If you want to still at least look into it, I would recommend the dragon sicilian, or the o' kelly variation.

@1

"1) Do you think it is too early, considering my current level ?"
++ Yes, probably. Expect to lose many games until it works. The problem is, that 1...c5 does not develop any piece, so you will get behind in development and you have to defend accurately. You have good endgame prospects as you get an extra central pawn, if you ever get to an endgame alive. 1...c5 is common, so most white players have experience playing against it.

"2) Which variations could you recommend to me in order to build ( little by littlle, obviously ) a limited, essential, basic repertoire with 1.e4, c5 ?"
++ If you play the Sicilian at all, then the early deviations are most recommended:

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 g6,
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 a6,
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nf6,
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 e5,
1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Qb6 

So, I better forget Sicilian Defense with Black. I imagined it...

Thank you for your answers !

The sicilian is a complex opening. This is both a good and bad thing. It is good because you can play it and not worry the soundness of the opening as you climb up the rating ladder. Additionally, there’s much room for creativity and change due to its soundness.

The downside is that there is a lot of theory. However this shouldn’t be a problem if you understand the basics of some common sicilian structures like the Scheveningen or najdorf (pawn structures not openings).

A good low theory option would be the kalashnikov. (cxd4, Nc6, e5) It gives you all the fun of the Najdorf structure without the worry about long reams of theory or a white kingside attack, and there’s plenty of imbalance and tactics. 

And to answer the question by butter- black plays c5 to gain a central pawn majority. This usually means black has a slight edge in sicilian endgames. Therefore to play for a win white usually needs to attack viciously, resulting in fireworks that are so closely tied with the opening.

To be fair, most of the time people do not explain the ideas when they teach to other people. The only reason I know that aspect of the sicilian is because I read it in some old book, probably Chernev’s logical chess.

Is this it?

Find a coach or make friends with stronger players who will help you.

Lifes too short, wing it and have fun:

https://www.chess.com/game/live/45798621045

https://www.chess.com/game/live/45368367437

https://www.chess.com/game/live/19074986763

I played the Sicilian as my main defense against 1. e4 ever since I was 1300 or 1400.

It doesn't seem to have crippled my development as a player.

WHATTTT NOOO SICILIAN IS AWESOME!

We need more Sicilian players to chime in!

I have been a fan of the Sicilian (from both sides) ever since I learned to play, so I am going to give a slightly different take from the above opinions.

Regarding if it is too early to "learn" the Sicilian: that is going to depend on what you mean by "learn". If you mean you are going to memorize 15-30 moves of theory, then yes.  If you mean play it and learn how to get interesting games from it and gradually improve your understanding of the theory, then sure, doing it now is fine.

A good variation many beginners start with is the Dragon.  This is because the plans for Black are fairly straightforward in comparison to other variations.  But in general, find a strong player whose games you enjoy studying and use their variations.

Now the warning: the Sicilian seemingly breaks a lot of opening principles (which is why many people tell newer players to shy away from it).  The key to learning the Sicilian is understanding why a certain principle was violated (it almost always deals with tactics!).  You will likely lose a lot of games before you get the hang of it, so know that going in.  If you do not handle losses well, playing something like 1...e5 would likely be better for you.

I mean if you want to learn something just pick it up and try it. If it works for you then good if not toss it away, just try it it's not scary it's a chess opening it won't hurt you. You don't need validations from the forums. It's a rich and complex opening but it's also fun to play. As for variations the Classical is probably the best starting point to understand the nature of the Sicilian. Aside from that the Accelerated Dragon or the Four Knights Sicilian are a little more beginner friendly than some of the much sharper ones like the Najdorf or Sveshnikov. And these really are life time openings its not something that works only at a certain level so there is that to consider.

against the sicilian if you want good lines that arent super tactical I would reccommend the rossolimo + moscow variation.

That’s just what I was looking for. I should feel a little confused because of these different opinions I’m reading. But your comments emphasize various questions and perspectives, and all your suggestions will be useful.  Thank you everybody.