Interestingly the Sicilian is the most popular response to e4 in the Master database.
What about the Scandinavian against e4? It's the most forcing opening for Black and there isn't as much theory. On the other hand, the Queen comes out early which can be draw back.
I've never really looked into anything specific against d4. I've been playing the Dutch recently but it's a bit weak.
Play the Sicilian, but pick one of the less theoretical lines. I like the O'Kelly, but there are many alternatives: Four Knights, Lowenthal, Hyper-Accelerated Dragon, Gå På etc. Some of these are discussed in the book Dangerous Weapons: the Sicilian. The chances are you'll come up against an anti-Sicilian line anyway.
Do you mean that you want an opening that gets similar positions to the sicilian defense, or one that fights for a win for black, like the sicilian?
Don't waste your time worrying about "theory!" Magnus Carlson and company know vast amounts of theory in the Sicilian, the Kings Indian, the Ruy Lopez, in every opening! They have memorized hundreds of lines and they understand all the plans in those openings. SO WHAT?
Are you planning on playing the world champion, or any of the other Super-GMs? No! You're going to play people close to your own strength and experience. They don't know hundreds of lines in all the major openings. The fact that an opening has "tons of theory" at the GM level is completely irrelevant to you! You and your opponent will quickly be on your own in the opening. Then you see who plays chess better.
i don't think it's theory you have to worry about when trying to learn an opening. it's how intuitive the plans and moves can be, so that you can figure it out over the board. only when it becomes very counterintuitive does knowing specific theory come in. that's why the sicilian is difficult.
to me even 1 e4 e5 can be a fighting opening and the moves are the closest to intuitive as far as main openings go. even if you play a berlin or a petroff it's not likely that the opponent will force a draw so easily unless you agreed upon it before playing or you play uninspired yourself.
The Caro Kann is the best theory less opening. The Sicilian dragon has not got much theory but you must be very prepared for all responses so I recommend the Caro Kann.The scandy is good but with the queen coming out it is a bit dangerous. Modern variation is gambity but I feel the caro is just super solid.
There is no real other fighting opening other than the Sicilian I am afraid. The caro is solid and great . Against d4 there are the indian defences, most notably kings Indian which is aggressive. The modern against e4 and d4 is another option and so is the pirc.
There are good sidelines in the Sicilian: 2...a6, 2...Nf6, 2...g6, 2...b6
"There is no real other fighting opening other than the Sicilian I am afraid."
This is simply not true. Almost every opening is a fighting opening--if the players want to fight!
Do you mean that you want an opening that gets similar positions to the sicilian defense, or one that fights for a win for black, like the sicilian?
Sorry for my bad wording - I meant fight for a win like the sicilian defense
All right then, The KID and the Modern and Pir are other options that are fighting for a win other than Sicilian.
It's the player that fights for the win, not the opening
It's the player that fights for the win, not the opening
I am that type of player. Stop saying your "Words of Wisdom". In Other openings such as the hippo, you don't have as many chances as the Sicilian for example.
In regards to your previous answer, Levy Rozman (A.K.A GothamChess) says that Sicilian is only for over 2000's. That is why I posted this question.
That is true. KID and modern are just like the Pirc, Tommy. Try looking at them. The Sicilian indeed is for above 2000s. Good luck in your tournament!
It's the player that fights for the win, not the opening
I am that type of player. Stop saying your "Words of Wisdom". In Other openings such as the hippo, you don't have as many chances as the Sicilian for example.
In regards to your previous answer, Levy Rozman (A.K.A GothamChess) says that Sicilian is only for over 2000's. That is why I posted this question.
Levy's perspective is just one. Plenty of chess coaches think there's no reason to avoid theory, and some like Andras Toth (also an IM) think it's important for players to play the Sicillian. For a tournament you're probably best playing whatever opening you like and not worrying about how much theory you need to know.
As for non-Sicillian openings. The French is quite fighting but in a more closed position. And at lower levels you'll often get the exchange which can be turned into a hyper-aggressive game with queen side castles.
I don't see any harm in learning any opening at whatever level you are at. I'm at the 900 mark and it seems that players at this level have a basic grasp of a number of openings. But don't worry about the theory.
I would say that doing the sanity check before making a move, making sure no pieces are hanging and just avoid silly blunders are the best things to take with you into a tournament.
Just try and play solid, principled chess.
Also don't forget that many master and grand master level games begin with what you might consider "beginner chess" openings, like the four knights game.
Above all else try and have fun!
indeed. It IS either you play the Sicilian or you don't. Sorry to say😪. Whatever you have been playing before this tournament you pretty much should play. Thing is, I do agree the Caro•Kann is the most practical defense there is. I think it's been the defense of choice for many World Champions. Capablanca, Karpov, Botvinnik, Kasparov to name a few. Does it fit your criteria? No. But as I said, it's either Sicilian or not. There is no other e4 defense like it. And certainly nothing with less theory but similar. Anyways, best wishes✌🏽. And just play, my friend, cuz playin's always the thing (for me)
Hello everyone
I have my first ever chess tournament coming up in a few weeks
I want to have a fighting opening for black - just like the Sicilian - but with less theory to memorize
Does anybody recommend an opening?
Many Thanks