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Should I learn the Sicilian?

#1

I have never played anything other than 1...e5 as black. Recently I have suffered difficult games as black vs 1.e4. Usually what happens is white builds up a small advantage out of the opening, and proceeds to maintain this until I reach a slightly inferior endgame, with virtually zero chances of winning, bar timeouts.

Against lower-rated players OTB it is also difficult to gain an advantage, 1400 rated players are super solid and rarely make the slightest mistake, the evaluation bar is always stuck on white's side until the late endgame, if I am lucky.

In general, every time I try to activate my pieces or gain some space, the computer dismisses this as a mistake.

Is it wise to start learning the Sicilian just to get over these problems? If so, which variation should I play? I currently know zero ideas but heard that black often gets active pieces, unlike in the openings I currently play.

I have never played anything other than 1...e5 as black. Recently I have suffered difficult games as black vs 1.e4. Usually what happens is white builds up a small advantage out of the opening, and proceeds to maintain this until I reach a slightly inferior endgame, with virtually zero chances of winning, bar timeouts. Against lower-rated players OTB it is also difficult to gain an advantage, 1400 rated players are super solid and rarely make the slightest mistake, the evaluation bar is always stuck on white's side until the late endgame, if I am lucky. In general, every time I try to activate my pieces or gain some space, the computer dismisses this as a mistake. Is it wise to start learning the Sicilian just to get over these problems? If so, which variation should I play? I currently know zero ideas but heard that black often gets active pieces, unlike in the openings I currently play.
#2

Hum. That is a great question. I play like you e5 for years. I like it but with Italian games etc I face the same problem. I play sicilian for fun online But OTB i always play e5. Sicilian is very strong and interesting for improving but I am not at my ease with opposite side castling. I am better in endgames. I consider from time to time switching but I consider all the work I have done on e5 and I don't want to put it on C5. Do you have the motivation and the ambition to work on c5 ? That is the main question. Plus do you like chaotic games or stable games ?

It is perhaps better to work on your e5 repertoire where you have problems than starting everything over. Plus will it work to switch to c5 ? I don't know.

Another idea. I play 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6. But if you want to keep your work on e5 but you have problems with italian or ruy Lopez perhaps you can try 2 .. Nf6 the Russian defense. Or vice versa

Hum. That is a great question. I play like you e5 for years. I like it but with Italian games etc I face the same problem. I play sicilian for fun online But OTB i always play e5. Sicilian is very strong and interesting for improving but I am not at my ease with opposite side castling. I am better in endgames. I consider from time to time switching but I consider all the work I have done on e5 and I don't want to put it on C5. Do you have the motivation and the ambition to work on c5 ? That is the main question. Plus do you like chaotic games or stable games ? It is perhaps better to work on your e5 repertoire where you have problems than starting everything over. Plus will it work to switch to c5 ? I don't know. Another idea. I play 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6. But if you want to keep your work on e5 but you have problems with italian or ruy Lopez perhaps you can try 2 .. Nf6 the Russian defense. Or vice versa
#3

No the caro kann is much superior to this 1. c5 nonsense

No the caro kann is much superior to this 1. c5 nonsense
#5

It depends if you have asked this question before and what you are aiming for in this game. If you are trying to become World Champion at chess some understand of 1...c5 is required unless you fail to play 1. e4 as your opening move. The better question is to find your pet defense against e4 and d4. You will see both moves at the highest and lowest levels of chess.

It depends if you have asked this question before and what you are aiming for in this game. If you are trying to become World Champion at chess some understand of 1...c5 is required unless you fail to play 1. e4 as your opening move. The better question is to find your pet defense against e4 and d4. You will see both moves at the highest and lowest levels of chess.
#6

Looking at your recent games, it appears that you are a 1.e4 player as White. One suggestion which might help you answer whether the Sicilian might be right for you is: try opening 1.c4 now and then as White. While that often leads to a QP opening or some random flank opening, it can also give you a reverse Sicilian if Black obliges, helping you decide if the types of positions you are getting appeal to you. It's a safer way to experiment before trying the proper Sicilian as Black, because any opening error you make is more forgiving if you are playing White.

Looking at your recent games, it appears that you are a 1.e4 player as White. One suggestion which might help you answer whether the Sicilian might be right for you is: try opening 1.c4 now and then as White. While that often leads to a QP opening or some random flank opening, it can also give you a reverse Sicilian if Black obliges, helping you decide if the types of positions you are getting appeal to you. It's a safer way to experiment before trying the proper Sicilian as Black, because any opening error you make is more forgiving if you are playing White.
#7

if you play the sicilian and your opponent knows what they are doing you better be very good at defending as white gets a marked advantage in development and sacrificial attacks are a hallmark of this opening....
Lots of players my level castle kingside and completely miss the point but stronger players wont do that...

if you play the sicilian and your opponent knows what they are doing you better be very good at defending as white gets a marked advantage in development and sacrificial attacks are a hallmark of this opening.... Lots of players my level castle kingside and completely miss the point but stronger players wont do that...
#8

@TheSquare said in #1:

I have never played anything other than 1...e5 as black. Recently I have suffered difficult games as black vs 1.e4. Usually what happens is white builds up a small advantage out of the opening, and proceeds to maintain this until I reach a slightly inferior endgame, with virtually zero chances of winning, bar timeouts.

Against lower-rated players OTB it is also difficult to gain an advantage, 1400 rated players are super solid and rarely make the slightest mistake, the evaluation bar is always stuck on white's side until the late endgame, if I am lucky.

In general, every time I try to activate my pieces or gain some space, the computer dismisses this as a mistake.

Is it wise to start learning the Sicilian just to get over these problems? If so, which variation should I play? I currently know zero ideas but heard that black often gets active pieces, unlike in the openings I currently play.

PLAY THE FRENCH

@TheSquare said in #1: > I have never played anything other than 1...e5 as black. Recently I have suffered difficult games as black vs 1.e4. Usually what happens is white builds up a small advantage out of the opening, and proceeds to maintain this until I reach a slightly inferior endgame, with virtually zero chances of winning, bar timeouts. > > Against lower-rated players OTB it is also difficult to gain an advantage, 1400 rated players are super solid and rarely make the slightest mistake, the evaluation bar is always stuck on white's side until the late endgame, if I am lucky. > > In general, every time I try to activate my pieces or gain some space, the computer dismisses this as a mistake. > > Is it wise to start learning the Sicilian just to get over these problems? If so, which variation should I play? I currently know zero ideas but heard that black often gets active pieces, unlike in the openings I currently play. PLAY THE FRENCH
#9

Over nxt year get really good at Cozio Defense in Lopez. Get really good at Alekhine defense.
98% of players under 2000 have put limited time learning to play against them. Or learn Nimzowitsch instead of Alekhine bc it can often transpose into Lopez.

Most e4 players spend a lot of time learning lines against Sicilians, French, Berlin/Morphy/Marshall, Petrov, French, Italians, and Caro Kann. There's only so much time to get great at anything.

Look how rare Alekhine, Nimzowitsch, and Cozio are played. Yeah, maybe slightly less strong at GM level but worry about that then if ever. They are absolutely perfectly great below 2200.

For players that like e5 but want something different or Sicilian play Kalashnikov/Lowen.. it is still a quick e5 with the c/d pawn exchange advantage Sicilians have. When players prep for Sicilians the Kalashnikov is likely 5th or worst on their practice list.

Over nxt year get really good at Cozio Defense in Lopez. Get really good at Alekhine defense. 98% of players under 2000 have put limited time learning to play against them. Or learn Nimzowitsch instead of Alekhine bc it can often transpose into Lopez. Most e4 players spend a lot of time learning lines against Sicilians, French, Berlin/Morphy/Marshall, Petrov, French, Italians, and Caro Kann. There's only so much time to get great at anything. Look how rare Alekhine, Nimzowitsch, and Cozio are played. Yeah, maybe slightly less strong at GM level but worry about that then if ever. They are absolutely perfectly great below 2200. For players that like e5 but want something different or Sicilian play Kalashnikov/Lowen.. it is still a quick e5 with the c/d pawn exchange advantage Sicilians have. When players prep for Sicilians the Kalashnikov is likely 5th or worst on their practice list.
#10

@HDGhog said in #2:

Do you have the motivation and the ambition to work on c5 ?

Yes. In fact, I have changed my entire repertoire several times over the last three years. The only opening that I never change is playing white against the Sicilian, as it always seems to give me great results OTB.

Another idea. I play 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6. But if you want to keep your work on e5 but you have problems with italian or ruy Lopez perhaps you can try 2 .. Nf6 the Russian defense.

I heard that the Russian Defence is very drawish due to being symmetrical. I like to play for a win with black.

@drSabrotna said in #9:

Over nxt year get really good at Cozio Defense in Lopez. Get really good at Alekhine defense.
98% of players under 2000 have put limited time learning to play against them. Or learn Nimzowitsch instead of Alekhine bc it can often transpose into Lopez.

I'm already rated 1800 FIDE and often face 2000 rated opponents, and besides I'm not a fan of these dubious openings. White gets a solid centre and more space. Being cramped usually leads to a tough defence.

For players that like e5 but want something different or Sicilian play Kalashnikov/Lowen.. it is still a quick e5 with the c/d pawn exchange advantage Sicilians have. When players prep for Sicilians the Kalashnikov is likely 5th or worst on their practice list.

I'll have a look at that, thanks. Btw what are the main plans and how do I deal with my backward d-pawn?

@HDGhog said in #2: > Do you have the motivation and the ambition to work on c5 ? Yes. In fact, I have changed my entire repertoire several times over the last three years. The only opening that I never change is playing white against the Sicilian, as it always seems to give me great results OTB. > Another idea. I play 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6. But if you want to keep your work on e5 but you have problems with italian or ruy Lopez perhaps you can try 2 .. Nf6 the Russian defense. I heard that the Russian Defence is very drawish due to being symmetrical. I like to play for a win with black. @drSabrotna said in #9: > Over nxt year get really good at Cozio Defense in Lopez. Get really good at Alekhine defense. > 98% of players under 2000 have put limited time learning to play against them. Or learn Nimzowitsch instead of Alekhine bc it can often transpose into Lopez. I'm already rated 1800 FIDE and often face 2000 rated opponents, and besides I'm not a fan of these dubious openings. White gets a solid centre and more space. Being cramped usually leads to a tough defence. > For players that like e5 but want something different or Sicilian play Kalashnikov/Lowen.. it is still a quick e5 with the c/d pawn exchange advantage Sicilians have. When players prep for Sicilians the Kalashnikov is likely 5th or worst on their practice list. I'll have a look at that, thanks. Btw what are the main plans and how do I deal with my backward d-pawn?

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