As Black, I like the Sicilian opening. But I find one of the most common responses after my 1. .... c5 is 2. Bc4. I have consulted lots of books about the Sicilian opening, and none of them offer any suggestions about a continuation of this line. I usually go for 2 ....e6. What do others like? Any recommendations?
I also play 2..e6, which makes sense. In these structures, I don't think the light squared bishop belongs on that square. It runs right into the obvious ..e6 and ..d5 plan, making the bishop looking silly. Keep in mind though that if you don't play ..e6 sicilians, you have to find something to do after 3. Nf3, looking to play 4. d4. 😀
I usually play 2. ...Nc6 because
-it's my usual move in the Open and Closed Sicilian
-more often than not, the 2. Bc4 guy will play 3. Qh5. I personally welcome that and do not wish to discourage it with 2. ...e6. But yes, e6 is generally played as my 3rd move
you don't find 2. Bc4 in a book because it's inferior and begs equality for black.
Originally posted by B Money2.Bc4 is really harmless on which black can reply like in Paulsen system 2...e6 and 3...a6
As Black, I like the Sicilian opening. But I find one of the most common responses after my 1. .... c5 is 2. Bc4. I have consulted lots of books about the Sicilian opening, and none of them offer any suggestions about a continuation of this line. I usually go for 2 ....e6. What do others like? Any recommendations?
Originally posted by B MoneyAt 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.
As Black, I like the Sicilian opening. But I find one of the most common responses after my 1. .... c5 is 2. Bc4. I have consulted lots of books about the Sicilian opening, and none of them offer any suggestions about a continuation of this line. I usually go for 2 ....e6. What do others like? Any recommendations?
It seems to be popular with -1500 players.
SeeThread 62441
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!