Alternatives to 1...e5 for low-intermediate players?

I've realized I don't like the games I get when I answer 1.e4 with 1...e5. I need a different first move, something that gives a good positional game without needing to know too much theory. I've read that the Sicilian is very complicated and full of theory that someone like me doesn't have time for. What would you all suggest? Thanks.

I would suggest 1...e6 2...b6 like this:

It does not require much theory and is easy to learn. It is also good against booked-up players.

Thank you. I like the bishop on the long diagonal aiming at the kingside, and the potential to play ...c5. It looks like black could end up with a space disadvantage though? Do you eventually play ...d6 and put the queen's knight on d7? I usually prefer the knight on d7 rather than c6, so that would be good too.

After 1...e6 2...b6 3...Bb7 you can pretty play any move that is ok with the engine (which is a lot of moves, including d6 followed by Nd7) Also the space disadvantage is temporary. Playing a move like c5,d5 or e5 later on can break up whites center.

If white plays exd5, I agree. But if white plays e5 instead, then I can't move Nf6, which is where I want to put my knight.

Maybe the Hippopotamus? I do not know anything about it, but I love the cover of the book.

https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9081.pdf

I do not have the exact quote handy, but I think that IM Lane once wrote something about it being a wonderful feeling to defeat an opponent after using an opening that has a silly name.

The Scandinavian is a reasonable low theory choice for a new player IMO.

The nice thing is you create it on move 1 so your opponent can't avoid it after 1.e4

It may look tactical at first, but if you set up a 6th rank defense (pawns on c6 and e6) and plop a knight on d5 then you're really solid. The downside is it's a bit passive and the downside for a new player is you're not going to be exposed to a wide range of positions (all your games will tend to be similar). But again, if you're just a new player who wants to be sure to survive the opening phase it's a reasonable choice I think.

Maybe look at:

First Steps: The Scandinavian

or The Scandinavian: Move by Move
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626232217/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen171.pdf
https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/7270.pdf
or My First Chess Opening Repertoire for Black
https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/9050.pdf

I remember I was in your position once upon a time. I got tired of 1...e5 games, so I experimented with 1...g6 , 1...Nf6, 1...e6, and very briefly 1...c6. It was only that I started playing the Ruy Lopez that I began to develop more strategically. The idea to avoid Sicilian lines is also understandable, as there is simply too much theory on almost every main line and some sidelines.

My advice is to stick with 1...e5, as it will help you develop into a more universal player. Giuoco Piano and Ruy Lopez quickly develop rich strategical ideas, while Scotch gambit and Evans can go into more tactical channels.

Looking at this in the opening explorer, I'm liking it. Need to try it out in some games. Thanks!

That looks weird! Will have to read more and try it out. Thanks

Boom

So you want an opening that isn’t ...e5 or the Sicilian, doesn’t concede a space advantage, doesn’t have the N going to c6 and lets you put your pieces where you want. Shouldn’t be a problem :-) 

I've been playing the Antoshin variation of the Philidor recently. It leads to a lively game and no one yet has played the main line against me (6.Bf4).

Given all your requests, there is clearly only one opening for you. The polish gambit.

The French Defense is pretty easy to learn.   I used to play it when I was a 1400-1500 tournament player and had a lot of success with it.   It starts 1. e4 e6  2. d4 d5.   You'll only have to learn 3 or 4 variations (one for 3. e5, one for 3. exd5 and one or two for 3. Nc3/Nd2).   I used to play the Rubinstein Variation (3. dxe4) vs 3. Nc3 and 3. Nd2, so I only had to learn 3 variations instead of 4.   Of course, there are branches of those main 3 or 4 variations too, just like with any opening.   The best thing about opening with 1. e6 is that your f7 square is well protected on the diagonal, so early attacks on f7 usually won't work.   The downsides are  A.  Your queenside bishop is locked in by the e pawn   B.  Your king is vulnerable in some lines.   However, most beginner and novice players usually won't know how to exploits those weaknesses.

The Center Counter Gambit isn't passive though.   That's the variation I used to play   1. e4 d5  2. exd5 Nf6  3. c4 c6  4. dxc6 Nxc6.   You gambit a pawn, but get a lead in development.   Great for attacking players who want to avoid theory.   

Yeah, it sounds like he wants to have his cake and eat it too.   There's no perfect opening, especially for black vs 1. e4.   They all have advantages and disadvantages.   Even the Sicilian and Berlin have their downsides.