The best sicilian variation

In your opinion, which variation plays the best for the sicilian. This can be either a variation that white uses to counter, or one that black plays. When you post, it would be really helpful if you could post which side the variation is for.

Thanks

I need comments please

Why do you think that there should be something like "the best Sicilian variation"?

Ok, fine, which variation has good outcomes or high precentages of draws and wins?

If you take a database of master games (IM/GM level) and in every position you play the move which scores best you'll find yourself in a mainline of the open Sicilian. In the case of my database, it's the Najdorf with 6.Be3 but the scoring differences are so small that a different selection of games may produce a different result.

You can assume that all mainlines are equally good, and that's not only true for the Sicilian but for any other opening as well.

I think one of the favorites among top players is the najdorf. Thats just what I"ve read. But all are good. If you look at the number of openings by top gm's I think the answer would be the najdorf with not sure be3 or bg5?

I tend to find myself playing the Scheveningen more often than usual (I find it more logical), though the Dragon has quite the fan base, and rightfully so.

The Sicilian is one of my favorite openings, and I enjoy all it's variations, and knowing several along with their strengths and weaknesses leads to transpositional opportunities and being able to adjust to your opponents moves.

Anyways, I wouldn't say there is a best variation, but there may be one more suited to your style. Try them one at a time and see which one seems most natural to you.

Depends on your style, tell us your style.

So true!

Najdorf and Dragon.

Kan

I doubt there is a sicilian variation that is both more popular and more successful than the najdorf variation .  

The Najdorf variation is the best variation of the Sicilian Defense according to statistics.

The Najdorf certainly seems strongest and its continued use among top players suggests this is the case. You can probably make a case for the Sveshnikov as well.

Yes, the Pelikan/Sveshnikov variation is both popular and successful.

The English Attack of the Najdorf i guess. But i still haven't figured out why players prefer openings with forced continuation of 30+ moves.

The classical is a very good one too

To win as white play the Grand Prix.

To win as black play the Najdorf or the accerlated dragon. (Not the Normal dragon)