How to punish beginners for playing the Sicilian?

I typically play e4.  I don't know much opening theory other than some typical ideas and main lines in some openings such as the ruy lopez, french, and some variations of various indian games.  I would say I'm very much a beginner when it comes to openings, but I know enough to know that beginners shouldn't play the sicilian because of the sharp and complex nature of the opening, however I have encountered it a lot, and I never get to see why they shouldn't play it - I've just heard from more experienced players that they shouldn't.

I was just hoping someone could tell me how to punish beginners for playing such a complex opening they know nothing about.  Is there a way to secure an advantage as white against the sicilian if black doesn't really know what they are doing?

No, there is no way to punish unless black makes a mistake Also, there are many Sicilians, never say "the Sicilian"

You need to know the theory to punish them.

Well if you are a beginner yourself there is no way of punishing them.

That said, it's better to encourage Sicilian players and to let them win once in a while. Otherwise they might start playing the Petroff or the Berlin... :-)

I could classify myself as a beginner when it comes to the Sicilian, but you could look into some "anti-Sicilian" systems out there. There are a few or you could study a bunch of master games to get an idea of the main ideas.

In either case, it would probably serve you best to study the lines yourself so you are comfortable with the most common variations you're likely to encounter.

Edit: I see you have a diamond membership. There are bound to be some good instructional videos by masters you can access. 

1. Play the Open Sicilian.  
2. Look at the thematic White attacks against the Sicilian that were developed in the 60s and 70s.  
3. Profit.

If they are playing the dragon, learn the Yugoslav attack where white plays h4 and h5. They won't see that one coming.

Play the open sicilian. If both players are beginner, the white side is more comfortable to play with open sicilian.

Spend a few hours a day, every day, for at least 3 months memorizing theory.

or

Play something simple like a 3.Bb5 (Moscow or Rossolimo) or 2.c3 (Alapin) and just "play chess" as they say (this is more enjoyable, and you can use that free time to actually get better at chess instead of memorizing stuff).

Well... I say it's more enjoyable. Some people like memorizing tons of openings. If that's your thing then go for it.

The easiest way to beat a beginner is probably to play out of their comfort zone. My guess you should play out of the theory, and be the better player in the mid-end game.

I just play the open Sicilian and win with some sort of tactic later

can't punish in itself a move that is not bad (1...c5)

Yeah, that's what I do.

I was just asking if there are any tricks or specific things to look out for.  I've just heard about how beginners shouldn't play the sicilian, meaning that they should be getting into dodgy positions that I should be able to exploit.  Fundamentally as well, it could be said that c5 on its own is very passive, and when followed up by d6 can allow me to occupy a lot of the centre.

I understand that if they actually played one of the main lines (such as the najdorf for example), the sharpness would come with the different variations of white's attack, however a lot of people leave theory within 5 moves.  I was wondering if anyone could give me tips about what sort of things I should be looking to do in these situations?

The Rossollimo variation is killing all the fun of the Sicilain, together with the Alapin variation, The Dragon is still in Rehab, Najdorf is still in rude good healthn though.

You will never refute the Sicilian it is a positionally correct opening.

1. You would learn more about chess if you didn't avoid the main lines and played the open Sicilian. For example, if you play the English Attack, below 2000, you don't need to know much theory, just basic principles ( I am playing it without knowing ANY theory and feel confident playing it against 1600-2000ers, but it will teach you a lot about attacking chess, how to open files, about the weakness on d5 etc...

2.   1...c5 is not a passive move. It has a strategical idea: If White wants to grab the centre and play for an advantage by opening the position and playing d4), s/he has to imbalance the position and give Black counterplay. Or, as GM Rowson puts it: "The thought behind 1...c5 is this: 'OK, I'll let you open the position, and develop your pieces aggressively, but at a priece - you have to give me one of your centre pawns.'"

The reason why many players believe beginners shouldn't play it, is because it is not so easy to play. You need to know a lot about strategy, while a symetrical setup (1.e4 e5) is more straightforward. But it is not a bad move at all.

Everything in the Sicilian breaks the general principles that are taught to beginners.  No direct control of the center, neglect of development in favor of wing pawn moves, king left uncastled.

Shouldn't White play on the kingside?

Beginner and openings.. just does not sound right. You can punish every single sicilian player, french defense player, kings indian player and every single Caro kan player,, no matter what opening they play by simply playing a move that is not in any book. Just like that. Then they are on their own. Beat them with chess skills like tactics, active pieces, safe king or endgame theory or.. just grab the free piece they will offer you in 10-15 moves.

In other words as low rated player you will win games not by opening theory, but common principles and safe pieces - study tactics.

You have tactical rating of 1500~ here which means you still strugle to spot free pieces or forks/pins andr checkmate in one etc. Board vision/visualization/simple calculation just 1-2 move ahead - basic patterns, king and pawn endgame etc work on that.

2. Bc4. It's simply brilliant.