In the Sicilian I think Black has to learn a lot of theory. Black has the long term advantage (majority in the centre), but White has a lot of pressure. So Black cannot play 'safe'. That why a lot of us don't play the Sicilian :-)
which sicilian would you recommend to play
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Aug 4, 2022
0
#3
Kalashnikov. Rely on understanding of the structure. It scores just as well as mainlines, but much less theory heavy. You basically get a najdorf without the theory.
O'Kelly 2...a6
At your level many players (myself included) might have some problems dealing with the taimonov
macjekk wrote:
hello im looking for opening against 1.e4 and i think sicilian will be the best option but i dont know which variation should i learn, i dont really want to learn 30 moves of theory so probably not najdorf and not dragon because i dont like it
alapin maybe?
why not dragon or nadjorf though
Aug 4, 2022
0
#7
Depends on your taste and keep in mind certain lines do have transpositions. Like all Sicilians, the precision is important but with regards to the Katalimov and O’Kelly there’s very little theory with more straightforwardness in the middle game.
For faster time controls, I like the Katalimov and O’Kelly because most times, you run into an anti-Sicilian like the Grand Prix Attack, Alapin or Closed Sicilian, a bishop pair pointing at the kingside can be menacing and double fianchetto are in the cards too:
https://www.chess.com/game/live/52453249681
https://www.chess.com/game/live/53153964845
Sicilian Taimanov: Move by Move by John Emms
https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Taimanov-Move-John-Emms/dp/1857446828/ref=sr_1_23?crid=3U24HMQ0HXSH3&keywords=john+emms+chess&qid=1659637765&s=books&sprefix=john+emms%2Cstripbooks%2C135&sr=1-23
Opening Repertoire: The Sicilian Taimanov by Nigel Davies
https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Repertoire-Sicilian-Nigel-Davies/dp/1781946027/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_4_2/143-1694333-8471964?pd_rd_w=TijvP&content-id=amzn1.sym.d2ff39b6-c87a-4cc6-8e20-04be0596e948&pf_rd_p=d2ff39b6-c87a-4cc6-8e20-04be0596e948&pf_rd_r=NQ5P76TYF9FVKJ8ZHVSA&pd_rd_wg=tgIVa&pd_rd_r=597d3d96-e3ba-448b-9033-0ea897a9bfe5&pd_rd_i=1781946027&psc=1
Optimissed wrote:
Taimanov is far too difficult for a beginner in Sicilian. It's transpositional and very slightly unsound.
Two well-known GM's - John Emms and Nigel Davies (cited above), and blueemu - don't seem to agree with you.
Neither of these GM's are likely to risk their fortunes and reputations by recommending and writing books about unsound openings.
blueemu wrote:
Scheveningen.
Kan.
Taimanov.
Coincidently, it is noteworthy that GM John Emms has written books on all three of these openings.
https://www.amazon.com/John-Emms/e/B0034ORWEG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
the Classical Sicilian seems to fly a bit under the radar despite being really good and having like half the theory of the Najdorf. My Chessable course on it is just 500 lines or so so very reasonable and sound opening that I would also use (and have used) against a GM
Aug 4, 2022
0
#13
ConfusedGhoul wrote:
the Classical Sicilian seems to fly a bit under the radar despite being really good and having like half the theory of the Najdorf. My Chessable course on it is just 500 lines or so so very reasonable and sound opening that I would also use (and have used) against a GM
I used the Najdorf against the (then) world #4 player and drew in a simul.
thanks for all answers, im thinking about playing taimanow or kalashnikov
Aug 4, 2022
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#15
blueemu wrote:
ConfusedGhoul wrote:
the Classical Sicilian seems to fly a bit under the radar despite being really good and having like half the theory of the Najdorf. My Chessable course on it is just 500 lines or so so very reasonable and sound opening that I would also use (and have used) against a GM
I used the Najdorf against the (then) world #4 player and drew in a simul.
Somehow calling him the "world #4 player" makes him sound less impressive than when you tell people his name.
Aug 4, 2022
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#16
tlay80 wrote:
blueemu wrote:
ConfusedGhoul wrote:
the Classical Sicilian seems to fly a bit under the radar despite being really good and having like half the theory of the Najdorf. My Chessable course on it is just 500 lines or so so very reasonable and sound opening that I would also use (and have used) against a GM
I used the Najdorf against the (then) world #4 player and drew in a simul.
Somehow calling him the "world #4 player" makes him sound less impressive than when you tell people his name.
Yeah... but I wouldn't want anyone to think I was bragging.
Aug 4, 2022
0
#17
blueemu wrote:
tlay80 wrote:
blueemu wrote:
ConfusedGhoul wrote:
the Classical Sicilian seems to fly a bit under the radar despite being really good and having like half the theory of the Najdorf. My Chessable course on it is just 500 lines or so so very reasonable and sound opening that I would also use (and have used) against a GM
I used the Najdorf against the (then) world #4 player and drew in a simul.
Somehow calling him the "world #4 player" makes him sound less impressive than when you tell people his name.
Yeah... but I wouldn't want anyone to think I was bragging.
Well, there's always "some Latvian dude with a bum kidney."
Aug 4, 2022
0
#18
HiramHolliday wrote:
Vito Corleone.🤡
There are quite a few notable Sicilians, yes.
hello im looking for opening against 1.e4 and i think sicilian will be the best option but i dont know which variation should i learn, i dont really want to learn 30 moves of theory so probably not najdorf and not dragon because i dont like it