Why I Play the Sicilian
I pretty much exclusively respond to 1.e4 with 1. ... c5 when playing black now. The game described here explains part of the reason why.
This was my 21st rated USCF game, played against David Goldfarb (1425) back in 1986. My provisional rating at the time was 1484. Goldfarb played the King's Gambit against me, and I was completely unfamiliar with it.
I think after getting crushed here in 12 moves, I wanted no part of the King's gambit. I've simplified my chess life by never responding to 1. e4 with 1. ... e5. Maybe some day, after I've had time to study the openings more, I'll give it a try.
I am sorry to say that this wouldn't turn out to be the shortest defeat in my USCF career, but I'll get to that game in another post.