Black Sicilian alternative responding to d4
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Feb 19, 2020
0
#2
Following the same logic as choosing the Sicilian, you can choose a defence to 1.d4 that is a bit like a reversed version of your white opening. When you play the English, what do you play when black plays ..., e6 and ..., d5? If you play g3 and d4 you could try the Grünfeld. If you play g3 without d4, try the Modern Benoni. If you play e3 and d4, play the Queen’s Gambit Declined. If you play e3 without d4, play the Nimzo-Indian / Queen’s Indian. These are all good mainline openings, but with different structures.
Feb 19, 2020
0
#3
Thank you for the comment and great suggestions! Being such a rookie, I have just changed my mainline white and black openings.
I am experimenting with the London system for white... and it's been disastrous. I'm so used to quick development and castle, then attacking from the flank that I have a difficult time transitioning from the long positional play to an aggressive tactical middle game.
With black I have put the sicilian on the back burner for now. I am experimenting with the English B6 and French defenses.
I like the play with these black defenses so far... but, I probably abandon the London if it doesn't start to click soon.
Thanks again for the advise! It sounds very logical to look for a recripical opening so I can stay in patterns and positions I'm familiar with.
I am obviously not a great player, but I sincerely love the game. After many years of being an occasional chess hack, I am finally spending some time to study and actually improve my game.
My current favorite opening when playing white is the English. I have been drawn to the Sicilian when playing black because of the familiar c-pawn beginning and occasional fianchetto on the king side.
Sicilian obviously doesn't work against d4 openings (I don't believe).
What would Sicilian players suggest I study as an alternative when faced with d4? Something with similar structure and theory?
Thank you for your suggestions.