Solution to Avoid Lots of Sicilian Theory

I usually play 1.d4 as White, but still open with 1.e4 a lot of the time so that I keep improving.

My problem is when I encounter 1...c5, the Sicilian. Right now I am not at the point in my chess development where I don't want to study tons of Sicilian opening theory. Maybe in the future that will change.

What are my best options as White? I have heard of various solutions, such as a Smith-Morra Gambit or playing of 2.d4. (But then what?) I have hear of Alapin, Accelerated-Dragon, Hyper-Accelerated-Dragon, and others.

I don't know if these are the best ways for me to go or examples of how to play them out. Any suggestions or examples would be appreciated. Thank you.

It's not that I'm too lazy to study the Sicilian theory, but I don't know if it is the best use of my chess time. Thanks.

Tony Kosten's An Easy Guide to the Najdorf is a good resource for understanding the opening's principles.  Don't go with a gimmicky sideline but if you must then go with Steamrolling the Sicilian by Sergei Kasparov.  It's basically a guide on 1.e4 2.Nf3 3.d4 4.Nxd4 5.f3 6.c4 systems. 

OK. So far I have one recommendation to just go for it...learn the Najdorf. Another for Alapin (less study time I suppose).

The thing is, you don't necessarily even get to the point of playing the Najdorf, correct? (Same with the Alapin?) Would the Kosten book help if we go down a different line before reaching the Najdorf? I mean, if I am playing as White, Black obviously has a lot of say as to which line we play, correct?

Any other suggestions are welcome.

UltraLaser has it right.  Alapin is very sensible.  It is also very irritating for us Sicilian players to face.  Black has to play a very different game than usual.

The following is the list of 15 main Sicilian variations - in the order of popularity.

• Najdorf variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6, B90-B99.
• Dragon variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6, B70-B79.
• Scheveningen variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, B80-B89.

• Rossolimo Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, B30-B31.
• Classical variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2, B58-B59.
• 2.Nf3 e6 variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6, B40-B49.

• Sicilian Counter-Attack variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4, B40.
• Closed variation [3.g3]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3, B24-B25.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [3.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4, B23.

• Alapin variation: 1.e4 c5 2.c3, B22.
• Smith-Morra Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3, B21.
• Grand Prix Attack variation [2.f4]: 1.e4 c5 2.f4, B21.

• Steinitz variation: 1.e4 c5 2.g3, B20.
• Keres variation: 1.e4 c5 2.Ne2, B20.
• Wing Gambit variation: 1.e4 c5 2.b4, B20.

Unless youre willing to "book up" on all of these, youre placing yourself at a disadvantage.  There are 3 main lines that cover 70% of all the Sicilian play as follows. 1st Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 ~ 30%. 2nd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 ~ 25%. 3rd Line: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 ~ 15%.  Studying these 3 will help yoou out a lot. 

Good Luck

Theory = Theory 

You can get pretty far without seriously studying some serious theory. 

I mean, look at you 

Thanks for all the advice so far. Great posts. This is a keeper.

This gives me some short-term options to survive with 1.e4 now while improving my tactics etc., and some longer-term goals for "booking up."

2.b3 is playable, but not necessarily the best option, and there are several decent ways to play against it.  The Alapin is also good and solid, and it gives middlegames with more emphasis on strategy, which might fit you more given that you play 1.d4 often.

I recommend the Deferred Wing Gambit (the straight-up wing gambit with 2.b4 is not good because of 3...d5), which is 1.e4 c5 2.a3 intending 3.b4.

Below is a prime example of what can happen to Black if he doesn't play with extreme precision:

And here is the deferred wing gambit in action:

2. c3!

I've played mountains of games in the Sicilian as black, and the Alapin is what I fear. Pressure on the d4 square is a big theme in both the open and closed Sicilians, so 2.c3 immediately takes me out of my comfort zone, and the open queenside files (again, usually thematic for BLACK) can get out of control quickly. So, yeah, play the Alapin; it's a bucket of cold water for many Sicilian players.

Thanks. That's money.

Why not the following?

Wing Gambit Deferred [Sicilian 2...d6] – B50 – 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 (or 2...e6) 3.b4

The problem with your version of the Deferred Wing Gambit is the same problem as the original Wing Gambit.  You don't want to allow White to take on b4 and not drag a piece out.  Often, Black will take the first and then reject the pawn on a3.

For example, 1.e4 c5 2.b4 cxb4 3.a3 d5!  By playing 1.e4 c5 2.a3, if 2...d5, White is not obligated to play 3.b4 and transpose after 3...cxb4.

Also, the Wing actually works best against lines where Black plays ...Nc6, so if you were going to play 2.Nf3 intending b4, 3.b4 is best against 2...Nc6.

Some people will argue that 2...g6 is so great against 2.a3, but it's nothing special.  White plays 3.b4 anyway.  If Black plays 3...Bg7, just 4.Nc3.  If Black wants to double White's pawns, let him!  He will wish he never did it later on when he starts dying on the dark squares!

And by the way, when I did play the Sicilian, the Alapin was a joke.  1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6! 3.e5 Nd5 and all lines lead to no issue for Black.  I especially love the lines for Black with an early ...e6.  If White plays Bc4, you do not play ...Nb6, but rather, let White take on d5!  It looks ugly because you double your pawns on the d-file, but the position is actually horrible for White.  White should not capture the Knight on d5.  If he doesn't, it's dead equal.

Here is my advise. See if you can get to know your opponent before game. If he plays c5 play d4 to start game. If he is not a c5 player then play e4 as you wish. 127th? lol

Henry, that is the best advice so far. The best Sicilian killer is 1.d4. No one else thought of that. That's why you are the Expert and chess book author. I so look forward to reading your books. (Everyone, he is just bitter because he is currently losing to me in a mixed-doubles tourney.) Back to our regularly scheduled program.

wait!

how can white play 3.b4 when they have already played 2. b4?

"For example, 1.e4 c5 2.b4 cxb4 3.a3 d5!  By playing 1.e4 c5 2.a3, if 2...d5, White is not obligated to play 3.b4 and transpose after 3...cxb4."