I completely agree with Markovich. Every ambitious attacking player should learn to handle IQP positions. Just after WW-II many Russians crushed Black with sacrificial play in such positions. Then you will understand too, that real attacking chess did not end at all when Morphy retired!

Mnb:  thanks for your recommendation on the Pirc, I'll certainly try it out!

Marcovich:   

for years I DID make the mistake of wasting time and money on theory books, and only later came to appreciate that only "practice makes perfect".  Now, when I want to try out a new opening, I play it in friendly games or against the computer several times, using opening books and the like only for the post-mortem, to find out where and WHY I went wrong so I can correct it next time.  It's a fun way to learn, and rather more effective than memorizing reams of analysis. I don't want to brag, but sometimes it even turns out I unwittingly played some theoretically correct variation...   

thanks for your comments on the Smith-Morra.  Actually, I started out playing the c3 Sicilian but then thought I'd first give Black a chance to grab a pawn and hang himself .  Now most Black players in my league do exactly that, so I have lotsa fun!

as for the IQP positions, I've found out that you can get them not only in the c3 Sicilian and the French and CK Exchange Variations, but also (after c4 at some point) in the Petroff, the Alekhine Exchange and the Center-Counter, with numerous transposition possibilities among these openings.  So it makes learning openings much easier since you're more familiar with the resulting positions.  I know, you've got to be careful with transpositions, so do you know if there's any litterature on transpositions in these openings?  Maybe something covering the IQP?!

I know, some may argue that playing the same pawn structures alle the time will hamper one's progress.  First, I'm still way below 1800 so it's not a problem right now.  Second, I may never get to 1800 since I'm not that young anymore . And third, maybe I won't WANT to get above 1800, because chess is fun, and tactics are GREAT fun!  In another thread, CraigEvans said that in his opinion, "real chess stopped to be played with the end of the Morphy era".  An interesting thought indeed.

PS:  thanks for your suggestions on the Pirc.  The 150 Attack, however, has held me in good stead, so I'll keep the Austrian in reserve.  4. Bg5 on the other hand looks attractive, so I'll try it out.

Quote:


Thanks for your kind words.  I would like to stress that what to play is one thing, whether to learn reams of theory is another.  I DO think it's a good idea to know the theory of a few key variations.  As your strength and experience increases, you theoretical knowledge will increase commensurately.  But don't make the mistake of spending too much time with theory books.  Tactics and endings are much more important for improving players. 

Well, you asked what to play against the Sicilian.  If your rating is "well below 1800," I think the Smith-Morra is a good choice.  The ideas are very straightforward.   You should take the trouble to learn how to play against all Black's main defenses.  Objectively I think White should get only about one-half pawn's worth of compensation for his pawn, but I wouldn't be deterred from playing it on that account since, at your level of play, it gives excellent practical chances.   

One of my students is a fourth grader (age 9) with about 1750 USCF.  He's been having some brilliant results with the Smith-Morra, but also some games where he doesn't get full comp, but manages to outplay his opponent anyway.   

I do also think that 2. c3 is a good way for anyone to play against the Sicilian.  In Black's better variations it often gives rise to IQP positions, which are very good for your chess education.

For an alternative, you might also consider 2. b4.   In some ways, it is a more principled move than 2. d4, though its reputation is worse.   

By the time you get up to 1700 or so, you should consider playing the White side of the Open Sicilian.  When you do, the basic principle should be, choose lines that lead to open play with plenty of opportunity for tactics.   For example, I think that 6. Bg5 would be a good choice against the Najdorf.   

Of course, it requires a big push to play White's side of the Open Sicilian, because there is so much you have to know.  Around here most lower-level Sicilian players play the Dragon.  So I think that may be the one version of the Open Sicilian that you really must know how to deal with.  One of my students has had excellent results with the Levenfish.  Objectively it may not be too challenging, but it produces excellent chances when Black replies 6...Bg7, and if 6...Nc6 is played, it's a game of chess.  My student plays 7. Nf3, followed by Bd3 with ideas of O-O, Qe1-h4 and so forth.  Of course, Black has his ideas too, but that's chess.

(To answer your PS, to obtain open piece play against the Pirc is not so easy.  I have no reason to doubt MnB's recommendation above.  I ask my own students to play the Austrian Attack since, so I think, if Black is going to offer you all that space, you should take it.  I also think that 4. Bg5 is a very sensible way to play against the Pirc.)

Against the Pirc I propose the older relative of the 150 Attack: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3
A) 4...c6 5.h3 idea f4, Nf3, Bd3, o-o like the Austrian Attack;
B1) 4...Bg7 5.Qd2 o-o?! 6.o-o-o and 7.f3 is the Argentinian Attack, which is very promising for White;
B2) 4...Bg7 5.Qd2 c6 6.Bh6 (6.Nf3 is the 150 Attack against) Bxh6 (o-o 7.f3 and 8.o-o-o) 7.Qxh6 and White can strive for an improved version of the 150 Attack by playing Nf3 at a suitable moment;
C) 4...Ng4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 and White keeps the choice open of f4 and Nf3.
This system served me very well the last 20 years. I think it is more precise than the 150 Attack proper, while the ideas are very similar.