Hey guys, what do you think of this opening for White against the Sicilian 

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qa4 Nf6 5. Bb5

black could move 5...e6 and 6. Nf3 looks solid. This should tie down the d7 pawn for a while and put pressure within black's territory.

 

 

What do you play against 5...a6?

5...a6 does nothing. Bishop cannot take because of 6. Qxa8 and black loses a rook. I would reply with 6. Nf3 as usual.

I think this gives black way too much. Surely, black has reached equality after 5...a6  6.Nf3 e6.

 

Swampdragon has a valid question; 5...a6 looks like a good move to me. The a4 square does not seem like the most natural square for the white Queen. Surely, though, white had grander plans for his strongest piece, given he spent the extra time to get to this position. The bishop can only stay on the b5 square if the Queen stays on the a-file. If you want to quote 5...a6 as fruitless, then you should provide good reason as to why the white Queen belongs on a4.

Ok, yes you are correct TonightOnly. 5...a6 is a good move if followed by 6...e6 for black. Those moves can be reversed as well to the same effect. My bishop will retreat from that square. This is not a trap though. It is just an opening I was thinking of for the Sicilian to throw opponents off main line thinking. This position looks strong for both players. Can be dangerous for both players as well.

Example