Expert: Tony D'Aloisio - 11/21/2011

Question
Hi Tony:
I am  USCF 1300 (my practical level is probably about 1500) and vs 1e4 I normally play the French defense or
the Caro-Kann (the French most of the times).I am now considering learning the Sicilian and I am aware of the many, many different variations involved.In your opinion which Sicilian would fit my rating level best as a starter? in other words which variation you consider the easiest to learn for club level? I inform you I most prefer semi-closed positions and I welcome strategic endgames.
Thank you.
Ed

Answer
I would say the Scheveningen.  Be prepared though for quite a bit different sort of a game than you would customarily get from either of your previous openings. :)

It sounds to me, from the preferences that you've stated, that the French (and possibly the Caro-Kann) would be better-suited to you.  You're going to get lots of wide-open positions with the Sicilian and have to weather many attacks and be very sharp tactically.  Perhaps you're feeling a bit stale with your old systems and you want to stake out some new territory; but it's likely to be quite a change for you, so be prepared for a lengthy (and possibly at times rather discouraging) learning period.  I know that's what I've gone through while I'm trying to learn the Sicilian (being a natural 1...e5/1...g6 player myself).