Sicilian Defense Basics
Posted by admin on July 14, 2008 |
The Sicilian Defense is by far the most popular opening for Black and the most aggressive response to white’s opening move 1. e4. By striking back in the center Black can achieve a very dynamic, imbalanced position which has statistically fared far better than other opening lines. The Sicilian Defense has gained great popularity at all levels of play from Grandmaster to the average club player and is a must know for the aspiring tournament player. The variations that arise from this simple response of 1. … c5 are varied and complex and should be studied in great detail. The beginner should understand that memorizing all of these variations is not nearly as helpful as attempting to understand some of the basic themes that run through the variations. Throughout the games studied here I will point out these useful themes that pervade many of the Sicilian Defense variations. I have set this site up to allow you to provide your own insights and commentary as well as ask any questions about the Sicilian Defense.
Tags: Basics, Sicilian Defence, Sicilian Defense
Filed Under: Sicilian Defense Basics
Comments (3)
I’m playing black:
1. e4, c5
2. d4, cxd4
3. Qxd4
I played Nc6 to force the Q to move, but am not sure if that was the best play! Is it unusual to do Qxd4 (the pawn)? And is there a better response/course of play?
Thanks, Bob
Bob,
Qxd4 is certainly a playable line for white, but probably not one of the better ones in my opinion. When you played Nc6 (the correct move) white is forced to move his Queen a second time in the opening. If he retreats to d1, black is now up a tempo. If white moves his Queen to a more active square like a4, he risks having to move it again losing another tempo. Bringing the Queen out that early in the opening is usually considered premature and should be avoided if at all possible. A more interesting and fun line in my opinion for white in this scenario is the gambit, 3.c3.
I am with Black.
1. e4,c5
2. c4,e6
3. Nc3,Ne7 (not Nf6, cause e5 makes the knight no where but retreat)
4. g3,b2
5. Bg2,Bb7
6. Ne2,d5…….
then the outcomes are pretty obvious.Black is the gainer with better pawn structure. Whats wrong with Black’s move as well as White’s? White’s response to Sicilian defense is …you see c4. What is the better response for Black against this move?