How can I play sharp in positional openings (English, Closed Sicilian, Giuoco Pianissimo)? Learning to trust your intuition is an important part of developing as a strong player. If you sacrifice and you are wrong, you will probably lose. On the other hand, if you do not sacrifice and you are wrong, you might be able to draw. - Mike Henebry


I have realized that I am a sharp player. I benefit quickly from lines where a mistake by either side can quickly end the game.

What are some lines which...


give sharp middle games?
are easy to transition to?
lead to open lines?


Lines like the Sveshnikov Sicilian that favor creative over principled play. Rules to be broken.
First of all, you must build an opening repertoire. One as White, one against e4, and one against d4. As a sharp player, I suggest you always play 1.e4 as White, the Sicilian Defence against 1.e4, and the King's Indian against 1.d4. 

When you are white, I'm sure you won't get to play the English (since you are the one to choose not to play it!). If he responds with Sicilian, make it open. If he responds with French or Caro and you really want to open lines, exchange pawns. If he responds with 1...e5, I suggest you to go to the Italian. Avoid Giuoco Pianissimo with the Evans Gambit or even the Italian Gambit! If he responds with anything else, build up a big pawn center and crush him.

Now, when you are playing the Sicilian, I know that some of your opponents does not play d4 and give you the position you want (this is my own experience). Therefore, I have prepared a setup if he does not open the position. That is, Nf6, Bg7, e6, d6, g6, Nbd7, a6, b5, Bb7, Qb6/Qc7, Rc8/Rd8, c5-c4, Nc5, and so on. Break with d6-d5 if possible.

For the King's Indian, if you haven't tried it, I'm sure you'll love it. It's closed, but extremely aggresive, since it's a race between Q-side and K-side. 

To sum up, never rely on your calculation skills alone. You must have a plan for every opening you play, and never hope for your opponent's mistake. 


  A bad plan is better than no plan at all - Emmanuel Lasker, 2nd World Chess Champion.