Has the Sicilian become a little unfashionable?

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Avatar of rooperi

Especially at very top level.

In game explorer here, there are more than twice as many 1. ... c5 as 1 ...e5. But there are very few lately in top tournaments, why would that be?

Just an aside: In Tartakower's 500 Master games, there are only 16 Sicilians out of 500 games. So, it came from nowwhere, Dominated the last half of the 20th century, and now seems to be fading.......

Avatar of VLaurenT

I guess computer analysis is killing sicilian variations quicker than other 1.e4 defences.

Avatar of DrCheckevertim

Interesting, because didn't Fischer say the Sicilian was the best defense against e4? Surprised

Avatar of Doggy_Style

I think you'll find that it's simply because today's top players were born with very small testicles. Once nature corrects this abberation, normal service will be resumed.

Avatar of x-5710721855

ROFL Doggy..Well said :)..

Avatar of apostolis1

Another example is the matces betweeen carlsen and anand, no sicilian yet ! But I think that because of the sicilian's popularity, every day more lines are being found and if you don't know the latest theory you may let your opponent to take an early advantage (I am speaking about high level)

Avatar of NomadicKnight

Perhaps because it is so commonly known that people are trying to veer away from it in hopes of surprising their opponent's plan? I mean, after all, if you play a strategy so widely known and your opponent has played it enough as well, wouldn't you just be playing it move for move into a stalemate without much room for creativity?

Avatar of TheGreatOogieBoogie

The Sicilian avoids dull symmetry that white has the power to bring to the table if 1.e4,e5 2.Nf3,Nc6 (or 2...Nf6 if you're a douche) 3.Nc3 and 3...Nf6 is the only viable move, though 3...g6, while not correct, is my preference as it desperately tries breaking the symmetry. 

Avatar of Scottrf

1...e5 is stronger and more principled.

Avatar of NomadicKnight

Why does Nf6 make you a douche? Oh, and I like your username Laughing

Avatar of toiyabe

Doggy_Style is correct.  Essentially, most of the current super-GM's are just pussies.  There are a few exceptions, Nakamura, Grischuk, Gelfand, Svidler. The rest just play "not to lose".  

Avatar of gundamv

Too easy to avoid at the club level - many anti-Sicilians.

Avatar of AngeloPardi
Scottrf wrote:

1...e5 is stronger and more principled.

I think that we could agree that there is no such things as a "best move against e4". Or against any first move that white may play. Or any best first move for white for that matter. 
There are only worse first moves. 

Avatar of toiyabe
gundamv wrote:

Too easy to avoid at the club level - many anti-Sicilians.

Anti-Sicilians aren't strong variations, all Sicilian players know that 2.Nf3 and 3.d4 is the most worrisome direction that White can take the game(for the 2nd player).  People who play e4 and think anti-Sicilians are actually "anti-Sicilian" are misguided and are just too lazy to learn theory.  

Avatar of NomadicKnight

Play D4!!! Laughing

Avatar of TheGreatOogieBoogie
NomadicKnight wrote:

Why does Nf6 make you a douche? Oh, and I like your username 

Because the Petroff is infamous for lacking imbalances usually and has a very drawish reputation. 

And thanks ^_^

Avatar of gundamv
Fixing_A_Hole wrote:
gundamv wrote:

Too easy to avoid at the club level - many anti-Sicilians.

Anti-Sicilians aren't strong variations, all Sicilian players know that 2.Nf3 and 3.d4 is the most worrisome direction that White can take the game(for the 2nd player).  People who play e4 and think anti-Sicilians are actually "anti-Sicilian" are misguided and are just too lazy to learn theory.  

Most anti-Sicilians are weak, but some are actually ok.

 

In fact, the 3 Bb5 one is now very popular in both club and GM level and is scoring decently for White.

Avatar of NomadicKnight
TheGreatOogieBoogie wrote:
NomadicKnight wrote:

Why does Nf6 make you a douche? Oh, and I like your username 

Because the Petroff is infamous for lacking imbalances usually and has a very drawish reputation. 

But with the drawish reputation wouldn't that be benificial if you NEED to create a draw in a match setting? Or are you stating that it's a sissy way to play?

Avatar of TheGreatOogieBoogie

2.c3 and 2.f4 are weak, but the Kopec variation and 2.Nc3 are wonderful alternatives for those who wish to avoid open Sicilian theory.  2.b3 is a joke that's ironically weaker than 2.b4, though 2.b4,cxb4 3.a3,d5! black already equalized. 

Avatar of toiyabe
TheGreatOogieBoogie wrote:

2.c3 and 2.f4 are weak, but the Kopec variation and 2.Nc3 are wonderful alternatives for those who wish to avoid open Sicilian theory.  2.b3 is a joke that's ironically weaker than 2.b4, though 2.b4,cxb4 3.a3,d5! black already equalized. 

I think the Kopec is kinda dubious, but that's personal opinion.  I wholeheartedly disagree with your idea that 2.b3 is weaker than 2.b4...I think 2.b4 is the worst second move for White!