Thanks! That was useful.

Hi Ir_Kamikaze

The first, and very important thing to note here is that by entering via a Classical Sicilian move order, you have given White the an extra possibility. You must be prepared for 7.Nxc6!? bxc6 8.e5 which can be complicated, but currently theory suggests that after 8...Ng4 Black should be alright. Have a look at those lines if you want.

I dont like the move 8...Bxc6. To me it makes more sense to play 8...bxc6 for several reasons. First, and most important, Black achieves massive central control, and now pushing ...d5 is not going to be so difficult, when he will be equal. Also note that White can no longer use d5 as an outpost. Second, we have the open b-file to work with against White's queenside. Third, you lose no time with 8...bxc6, as white is forced to lose time retreating his bishop immediately afterward.

The move 18...e6 may be unnecessary, now you have made your d6 square very weak. Perhaps you could have just moved your knight to c4 as you did the following move instead. This would have kept the d6 pawn solid.

Some thoughts as you asked,

Mavros