How to practice against the Sicilian?

Hello everybody!

In contrary to other openings, the Sicilian is the most sofisticated and hard-to-study opening. I have been struggling to make some progress in that field, but I'm not the type of player to learn everything by heart. I am currently looking to find a system against that opening after 1. Could somebody give me some suggestions about remembering the lines and suggest a good system against the Sicilian? I appreciate every help.

I’m right with you there. The Sicilian Defense is indeed a complex and rich opening that can be challenging to learn due to its many variations. However, if you prefer a system-based approach rather than memorizing extensive lines, here are a few suggestions you might find helpful:
1. The Smith-Morra Gambit: is d4 and can be a very useful gambit for quick development and open lines. This is a more tactical approach that often leads to sharp play. You can learn the basic themes and ideas rather than memorize long variations.
2. Grand Prix Attack: After 1. e4 c5, you can play 2. Nc3 and follow up with moves like f4, Nf3, and Bb5. This setup can lead to a quick attack on the kingside.
It allows you to avoid specific Sicilian theory while still aiming for an aggressive game. With the idea of an early f4, you can create pressure without having to remember complex lines.
Finally, my favorite 3. Closed Sicilian: Play 2. Nc3, and then develop with g3, Bg2, Nf3, and d3. You're less concerned about immediate tactical confrontations and can build up slowly. It allows you to keep your options open and can transpose into other setups or formations, making it easier to remember strategic ideas rather than precise lines. To study these I recommend the YouTube channel Hanging Panws they have a great explanation for every line that can transpose.

Some advice- 
1) the Smith Morra sucks. 
2) start with anti-sicilians. This will limit the amount theory you have to learn. It's really not feasible for white to learn all the open lines at once, it's far too much theory. But you can't go wrong with the Closed Sicilian here.

Play the grand prix vs. 2... d6
vs. 2.. Nc6 play 3. Bb5 the pseudo-rossolimo line.
2... e6 is blacks best line, you can try a fiancetto or chameleon but really I just suggest you transpose here to the open french sicilian. Let that be the first set of open lines you learn. Long term you can work toward playing other open lines.

3) If you want a game that's less about theory fiancettos generally are effective in achieving that, and they work very well throughout the Closed Sicilian.

However, alot of the benefit from studying theory doesn't come from knowing all the moves by heart... in trying to memorize your lines you will familiarize yourself with many of the patterns in that opening. This is especially true in positional openings, like the sicilian. So even if you forget the line... you'll still play good moves and recognize common ideas / tactics. And so when you say you don't like to memorize.... make the effort to memorize but don't expect to remember it all is my advice.

This is also why it helps to try out a few different lines in an opening - you get familiar with different types of structures that can arise there. I've played at this point 5 different sicilians as black at different points... learning the sicilian is a long term commitment, you get better gradually. But the biggest leaps will infact come when you buckle down and study some theory.

4) videos are a good resource... watch some hanging pawn videos on whatever lines you choose.