Originally posted by B Money
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?
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.
See
Thread 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 here
Game 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!