Originally posted by Leonard LeaderThe other replies have shown that black is far from forced to play that variation, but 4.Qxd4 is reasonable if white really wants to avoid theory. Tal even used it once - and won. However, the Open Sicilian is definitely considered better if you aren't afraid of theory.
What do people think of the following e4 opening: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4 Nc6 5.Bb5 Bd7 6.Bxc6 Bxc6? I'm impressed by the power of the Queen on d4. Any comments?
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemI don't agree. 4. ... Nf6 is the immediate challenge of the early queen move, and more or less forces white to give up the bishops pair in exchange for a small initiative. The game can become very sharp, but black should be OK if he plays active (and avoids to play e5 to chase the queen away, because that makes the d-pawn really weak).
I think 4...Nc6 is an inferior move. Why would Black play into White's hands by allowing a pin of the main piece that chases the Q away?
Another move for black 4. ... a6, avoiding the pin on c6. White usuallyplays 5.Be3 then.
And yes, 4. ... Bd7 is playable too. White can reply with 5.c4, going into a Maroczy bind setup or 5.Bg5, preparing to retreat the queen to d2 without standing in the way of the bishop's development.
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemIf that's your view then 4. a6 for black would be the move to play. But personally I think the earlier you can develop the queenside knight in this variation, the better.
I think 4...Nc6 is an inferior move. Why would Black play into White's hands by allowing a pin of the main piece that chases the Q away?
