e4 opening

Originally posted by cmsMaster
e5 isn't good, although Nc6 isn't either. Preparing Nc6 with a6 seems good. The problem with e5 is that it weakens prospects for the d5 push.

My thoughts exactly, even though I still think Nc6 is a good move in this particular situation.

Originally posted by Leonard Leader
If 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.

Hmm, Kasparov has used 4...a6, 4...Nc6 and 4...Bd7.

Originally posted by Mephisto2
.....
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.[/b]

I`ve played 4...Bd7 against this line in days when I tried to play sicilian. In that game I won (but opponent was a little bit weaker player)