1. e4 c5 2. Bc4

What is black's best response to [1. e4 c5 2. Bc4]? I see this fairly often with players who seemingly do not know or like the Sicilian...

Block the bishop with e6. Then, continue with a6, threatening to kick it with b5 and also roll counterplay. Also aim for d5. Bc4 sucks.

Originally posted by exigentsky
Block the bishop with e6. Then, continue with a6, threatening to kick it with b5 and also roll counterplay. Also aim for d5. Bc4 sucks.

Sounds good. I agree, it seems rather pointless, but I just wanted to know how to take advantage of it. I just happened to play e6 in this game a few minutes ago...

[Event "RHP Blitz rated"]
[Site "www.playtheimmortalgame.com"]
[Date "2007.5.10"]
[Round "?"]
[White "blackjack21"]
[Black "wittywonka"]
[Result "0-1"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 e6 4. O-O Be7 5. c3 Nc6 6. Bb5 Bd7 7. d4 a6 8. Bxc6 Bxc6 9. d5 exd5 10. exd5 Bd7 11. c4 Nf6 12. h3 O-O 13. Bg5 h6 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Nbd2 Bxb2 16. Rb1 Bc3 17. Ne4 Bb4 18. Qd3 Bf5 19. a3 Bxe4 20. Qxe4 Bxa3 21. Rxb7 Rb8 22. Ra7 a5 23. Ra1 Bb4 24. Re7 Re8 25. Rxe8 Qxe8 26. Qxe8 Rxe8 27. Ra2 Re4 28. Nd2 Bd2 29. Rxd2 Rxc4 30. Rb2 Rb4 0-1 (white resigns)

At best 2.Bc4? is a loss of tempo, at worst it shows no understanding of opening principles & as you suggest is a common response in the Sicilian.
It seems to be popular with -1500 players.

My initial idea was:
1.e4...c5
2.Bc4?...Nf6 thinking
3.Nc3...e6
4.Nf3...d5
then the forced
5.exd5...exd5
6.Bb5+...Bd7
7.Bxd7+...N(b)xd7
& black has a big lead in development & a great position

white to move


but I have come to thinking 2...Nf6 is too freeing for white, for instance they can play a simple 3.d3 or maverick 3.e5!? as hereGame 3156832
Now I believe the straightforward 2...e6 then 3...Nf6 & 4...d5 is best & can be played against virtually anything white throws at you.

With anything like accurate play from black 2.Bc4? in the Sicilian gives black either a lead in development or a free hand in the center or sometimes both!

On gamesexplorer black wins around 60% after 1.e4...c5 2.Bc4?
I think that accurately reflects the value of the move!