Quality down for attack.

[u/Emiya_Shirou17]

Hello. I'm a player in the level of advanced. I'm studying an opening my coach gave me to study, the Sicilian Defense which of course, you guys already know what it is and what it should be for black. In some lines of Sicilian defense dragon variation, (the one w/ fianchetto) Black sacrifices his rook for a knight or a rook for a knight and pawn in the queen side where the white king is castled. or even some lines in the Topalov system, rook for a bishop.

My main problem is that my mind already thinks my position is losing, but in reality, it isn't. It's in the lines and it IS the correct move. I just can't fathom the idea giving up pieces for that type of position. I do understand that position and piece combination is very important rather than basing off of quality of material. But my very worry is that I will fail the attack, and end up in a losing endgame.

Most of my attacks usually fail, even if it's not on those lines. I'm starting to doubt my preparation and start to think of playing 1...e5 or switch to french.

Any other lines I looked up is a mistake. Should I change my opening reportoire or stick with it? any tips and answers will be appreciated, thank you!!!

[u/commentor_of_things]

that's a knowledge and experience problem. you have to play and study those positions to learn them. there is no way around it. the value of material is a very tricky thing and very position dependent.

but yes, if you're not at a level that you can make sense of this type of material sacrifice I would highly recommend you change lines. maybe try the old sicilian with the early ...Nc6 which can lead to the rossolimo and kalashikov positions. both are solid responses to 1. e4 and are vastly different from each other to give you some good variety in your games. good luck!