Sicilian Responses to 2.Nf3

Originally posted by 93confirmed
I've been playing against e4, Nf3 alot lately and I was wondering if any of you RHPers have had any success with the following second moves as Black against this opening: 2...Nf6, e6, b6, and g6.

I'd really like to start playing some new lines other than the Najdorf and Orthodox. Does anyone have any comments on these responses (especially Nf6 and b6) and any examples of games that might be worth looking at?

2...Nf6 is a system unto itself, unrelated to other Sicilians. It has the reputation of being very dangerous for black; but if it's your speciality and your opponent is surprised, that might make up for the difficulties.

2... e6 is a reasonable Sicilian move although personally I like playing against it as white. It's just not ambitious in terms of space or time. White has for more choice than he's used to.

2... b6 looks dubious to me. Not enough central pressure and not ambitious enough. I would think white will get c4 in very soong and be better spatially as a result. Note most Sicilian systems prevent c2-c4, typically via ..Nf6 obliging Nc3. (Although not necessarily. 2... e6 makes it awkward via other means based upon ..Bb4, ..Bc5 mostly.) Also - doesn't experience show the Sicilian b pawn is frequently superior on b5?

2... g6 is I believe the Hyper Accelerorated Dragon, or somesuch. Again it allows c4, although probably the extra pressure on d4 via the fianchetto makes this a touch less damning for black than in other off-beat lines. Very specialist and rare again, which is compensation for the black exponent.

I think: Most Sicilian mainlines are almost exactly equal chances. These, you lessen the objective chances for black - but hope to capitalize on being more at home in the obscurity, in spite of the inferiority. Choices, choices.