5 Reasons to Play Sicilian Defense for Black

@mathyxxx said in #9:
> I checked the line in question from the fast moving train and concluded that in most straightforward lines white isn't doing all that great in this one either..
>
> Trying to catch someone in Pet Lines can quickly backfire esp with Sicilian openings. Finding some antidote against some anti-sicilians is a difficult task.

First of all, if you check I am playing Sicilian almost all my career as Black, and little less as white.
Secondly, especially against the sidelines for Black I have a course where I am really happy with all the position.

It's okay to share your opinion, but making it look like a clear statement can confuse less experienced players.

@GABUZYAN_CHESSMOOD said in #11:

> It's okay to share your opinion, but making it look like a clear statement can confuse less experienced players.

I appreciate your answer. However in my ignorance I would have to answer in similar fashion to the article which actually has happened in a sense: Your article can confuse less experienced players.

A little short in my humble opinion. Interesting blog for popularizing Sicilian. popularizing is a good thing because it's very difficult to write something accessible to everyone. Thank you for not putting endless lines but for being concise as is often the case. Thanks again !

@mathyxxx said in #9:
> I checked the line in question from the fast moving train and concluded that in most straightforward lines white isn't doing all that great in this one either..
>
> Trying to catch someone in Pet Lines can quickly backfire esp with Sicilian openings. Finding some antidote against some anti-sicilians is a difficult task.

On the other hand that particular anti-sicilian if played improperly by black white will proceed to tear their kingside apart in a few moves and checkmate very quickly. Gothamchess has a good video on the grand prix attack and how devastating it can be.

Against that particular anti sicilian i've learned i should delay castling which is kind of unintuitive but it is indeed not fun to play vs anti-sicilians. I'm speaking this as someone who plays it as the main response to 1.e4, would not recommend it to a beginner unless they enjoy suffering or learning a lot of theory.

And don't forget all the times you'll get blown out in 20 moves. Oh wait...that's why I stopped playing the Sicilian.

Also, the rather bewildering variety of lines isn't necessarily a plus (especially for us lesser lights). ;)

I've been specializing in Najdorf Sicilian ever since I started playing chess.

Now Gothamchess does have a point, when he says that weak players should not be playing Najdorf. But I have never regretted the commitment. It's a very versatile opening which continues to serve me with black.

"And don't forget all the times you'll get blown out in 20 moves."

Hmm, ok - but I manage to lose like that in other openings, too. :)

@Kajurn said in #14:
> On the other hand that particular anti-sicilian if played improperly by black white will proceed to tear their kingside apart in a few moves and checkmate very quickly. Gothamchess has a good video on the grand prix attack and how devastating it can be.
>
> Against that particular anti sicilian i've learned i should delay castling which is kind of unintuitive but it is indeed not fun to play vs anti-sicilians. I'm speaking this as someone who plays it as the main response to 1.e4, would not recommend it to a beginner unless they enjoy suffering or learning a lot of theory.

If played improperly is the basis of Gotham and other streamers opening content. Vienna is fantastic opening, well.. Until the point somoene is going to play as they should. Same can be said about Dutch and other openings proposed by this 'World beating champion'!

If played improperly we can as well play anything 1.f3 e6 2.g4 and now if played improperly by black white is still able to win.

What is your improperly constructed point?

it is mention that it is a master level opening most of them play queens gampit but sicilian defence is great defence so i play sicilian defence

The Sicilian is great. N'stuff.

But let's face it: the hippopotamus is more than great. It's a thing of beauty!