06 Aug 10
The other thread got me thinking about less common replies to the Sicilian Defence. Nf3 is clearly the most popular, I also see a lot of Nc3 or Bc4. What other responses are playable?
I was pretty intrigued by this game:
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1379718
07 Aug 10
Originally posted by clandarkfire2.Ne2 perfectly ok too.
Playable? I don't think there are any responces that aren't.
Good?
Nf3, Nc3, c3, d4, f4.
Then maybe not really "good" but interesting are also b4(?!), a3(an elaborate variant of the previous, planning b4), 2.b3, 2.d3, 2.g3 ...
or even 2.Na3!? (looks silly but played by successfully at GM level by zviagintsev, proof that there's always room for innovation ! )
But 2.Bc4 is supposed to be inferior because the bishop is not stable there and encourages an early d5 or b5 with tempo
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07 Aug 10
Originally posted by Willzzz2. Na3!
The other thread got me thinking about less common replies to the Sicilian Defence. Nf3 is clearly the most popular, I also see a lot of Nc3 or Bc4. What other responses are playable?
I was pretty intrigued by this game:
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1379718
07 Aug 10
Originally posted by TerrierJackDid you read my post? i just quoted this move !
2. Na3!
And i agree it's certainly less risky and sounder than the gambits (morra or wing), and less dull than d3 or g3...certainly worth the surprise effect (if you understand the positionnal ideas, behind it, not that easy of course)
The problem is that it looks more like a master level surprise weapon, since its main ideas seem to be to reach setups which will look like either the rossolimo (Bb5) or the alapin (c3), depending on what black answers. Which means you have understand the positionnal ideas behind both the rossolimo and the Alapin !