How to answer 1.E4 C5 2.bC4?

 

Having some trouble with it as black.

 

Thanks 

is this an ongoing game, or just opening theory?

I was just faced with this opening in a game started yesterday. I am in a bad spot because of my early moves. I would like to play it better next time. We are now on move 6 so I am not looking to cheat. Sorry I should have clarified.

ok, then my reply would probably be 2. Nf6. you're fighting for the center d5. after that, i'd expect them to probably do 3. d3, to back up the pawn. you could then reply with 3. e6, to keep up the fight. if they advance the pawn with 3. e5 instead, threatening your knight, you always have 3. d5 to threaten their bishop.

 

that's one way of doing it... 

I typically play 2...e6 to blunt the bishop, followed by a fairly early a6. If given the chance to, playing d5 in one go is enough for at least equality in my experience. You do not need to hurry with kingside development since white doesn't threaten anything at all.

awesome thanks guys. appreciate the advice. exactly what i was looking for :)

I don't see the point of playing ... a6, there are more productive moves and Bb5 from white is not really a threat. 2. Bc4 is not a good move, but the position is still equal. Black can play 2. ... e6, develop the kingside pieces, castle and then play ... d5. You don't want to open the center with d5 until after you've castled. You should get a good game this way.

http://www.chess.com/echess/game.html?id=6486821

good stuff. thanks guys. all good opinions.

 

Feldmm1,  thanks for the link. I can see exactly where I went wrong.