Sicilian help

When I am playing the Sicilian Defense, I always start with 1.e4 c5 2. nf3 d6

The problem is that I commit the d- pawn. One setup I've struggled with is when my opponent and I make a few more moves, and then he moves c3 followed by d4. Does anyone have any ideas on this? Should I not commit my d-pawn so early?

you are able to commit your d pawn nothing wrong with that so he plays c3 the next move? hes playing the alapine variation look it up on google and find some master games and watch how black goes about the middle game. it should help.

Wikipedia to the rescue:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Defense
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Defence,_Alapin_Variation

Thanks for the help. My question was however, was that my opponent doesn't play c3 immediately, but later on.

its fine d6 is acceptable and played a lot

Originally posted by chesskid001
Thanks for the help. My question was however, was that my opponent doesn't play c3 immediately, but later on.

What is your record with that line? If you're winning more often than losing then stick with it!

2..d6 is definitely ok. It's been played by pretty much every GM ever, and still is. The basic way to deal with c3-d4 plan by White is to attack the e-pawn. For instance,

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. c3!? Nf6!

And now he has to do something about the e4 pawn.

4. Be2!? is possible, since 4..Nxe4 loses to Qa4+. But then I like 4..Nbd7! Stopping the check on a4 and threatening to once again take the pawn. Then:

5. d3 And Black is safe for a move or two, in which he can use to play ..b6 and ..Bb7, attacking the e4-pawn again.