What are the merits of playing 3...e5 in the Sicilian opening, particularly in response to 2.Nc3?  I've played it, when allowed, to prevent White from playing the typical freeing move of 3.d4, and I've met with considerable success in doing so.  Is there any analysis of this variation, and what are the conclusions? 

 Here is what some of my games have looked like following this move:

 

 

 Your insight is appreciated...

Thank you! 

I don't think there's anything particularily wrong with it. I think I saw Shirov using a setup like that once or twice in the world cup last year. However, one advantage of playing e5 after white has played d4, cxd4, Nxd4 is that the e-pawn attacks the knight with gain of tempo after e5.

Pawns pushed on the e file and c file strangly are quite sound (although often inferior).  The opening is rarely unsound, but there is one problem with it.  ITS SOOOO BORING.  ITS THE MOST BORING OPENING I KNOW AFTER A GIANT STONEWALL OF PAWNS.  It makes the french defense seem like bungee jumping or rock climbing.  Its not popular I assume because although it stops any white plans, it also stops any black plans.

 

The marcozy bind doesn't apply as the position generally remains open.