Question about openings

Hello, just a question from somebody trying to switch from Go and Shogi to Chess.

Being a player who plays black, can i use the Sicilian regardless of white's opening? I mean, can i always use the Sicilian? 

This is a common practice in Shogi where players typically use an opening which they master and use in most of their games regardless of what the opponent is doing...

Thnx in advance!

The Sicilian is an opening which arises from 1. e4 c5. If White plays a different opening move then you'll also play a different opening.

Some openings overlap though. For example, the Modern Defense is where Black plays g6 on their first move, but it has the same name against both e4 and d4.

If you are familiar to using an opening which you can use in most games as Black then I would suggest looking up some information about and preparing to play the King's Indian Defence. It's a solid setup that you can play almost any time. It's also a modern opening so you'll likely catch out a few beginners who have been taught the main opening stuff of e4 e5, d4 d5 and other openings which follow the principle of 'control the center by occupying it'. Downside is you'll allow your opponent to control the game and steer the direction.

You can't. White has to play e4 in order for it to be called Sicilian defense. There are some openings where you can use similar setup. London system as white is something like that. It is generally considered best practice for beginners not to play setup like openings when they are starting out in order to get different middlegame positions.

No, not really.  If white opens with d4, then c5 turns it into something else, the old Benoni.  As white however, there are some "system" openings that you can play pretty much all the time no matter what black does.  Check out the London as it is very popular with newcomers to chess.

Thnx for the quick reply!!! Everything is clear now!

Yes, you can play 1...c5 against everything. But the name of the defense changes, based on what White is playing. The tactics and strategies available to Black change, too.

The more common approach (that experienced players use) is to have 3 openings in their repertoire:

1 White opening,

1 Black defense against 1.e4,

1 Black defense against 1.d4.

(For all other first moves by White, the Black defense against d4 can usually be used.)

you also should not play only one color in chess.   You should get used to playing both sides, so if you accept a rematch or play in a tournament or daily club match etc you will be prepared because you will often have to play 2 games, one with each color against the same person.   

I suggest experimenting with different openings and see which one you like.  Once you discover which opening(s) you like, then study that particular opening so you can get good at that opening.