Here is a summary of your main options as white against the Sicilian (1.e4 c5)
- Open Sicilian : 2.Nf3, then d4, cxd4 and Nxd4 (+) good attacking games, teaches you how to attack the king (-) lots of complicated lines, be prepared to lose a bunch of games, theory-intensive when you go up in ratings, black usually fights on his home ground
- Closed sicilian : Nc3 + g3 (+) clear plans, gives attacking chances, quite solid, some interesting strategic content (-) not many that I can think of till you reach a higher level when black should probably have no problems equalizing
- Alapin Sicilian : 2.c3 intending d4 : (+) black sicilian players usually hate playing against the Alapin, very solid so it's difficult for a stronger player to play for a win, lots of different middlegames so quite educational (-) you'll land in very different positions, some of them require patience, other you need to take quick action, so the Alapin requires some time to play correctly
- 3.Bb5(+) lines : (+) gives very strategical games where black has problems generating counterplay, playable against almost every Sicilian set-up, (-) difficult to handle without some experience
- Grand Prix Attack (systems with f4) : (+) usually gives good attacking chances, attacking plans are clearcut, (-) has lost most of his surprise value, may not work against a strong opponent, but suitable against U1800 opposition
- Systems with d4 and g3 : (+) offbeat systems so black usually doesn't know how to handle them, (-) needs some positional sense from white as well, so I wouldn't recommend them until you're little bit experienced
I think you should choose between Alapin and Closed sicilian - Closed Sicilian is easier to play and is probably a better first pick. Then you can try Alapin when you want to explore new grounds.
Ok, after playing anything but (including the English, The Colle-Zukertort, and a brief flirtation with the bird) I have decided that e4 may be the way to go.
I have no problem as to what to play to 1. e4 e5, as I like to play the Scotch.
I have no problem as to what to play vs. The French, as I play the French myself as Black.
My problem is... WTF do I do against the Sicillian? I am leaning toward the closed sicillian at the moment...
A few things...
I have tried the Grand Prix. Meh.
Not a gambiteer, so the Wing and Smith Morra are out.
The Alapin looks interesting...
Basically, what I would like is a brief summary of all the options, and the pluses and minuses of each. Anyone know of such a resource?
I would prefer something very solid. I hate playing incredibly sharp, on the edge games, where one incorrect move is doom. I want something (optimally) that I can use fairly universally.
Anyway, thanks for the input.