1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 a6!?

Hi!,

Is this variation of the Sicilain playable otb?

I checked this variation on the chessbase database and found some strong players playing it occasionally however i wondered if it was good enough to be played as part my repertoire.

Please note that i am a najdorf player and only play on chess.com for fun.

EDIT: Please note that i am considering to play this in fide tournaments

Thanks 

Yes, I've played this in tournament competition, and it specifically is best used, just in case of a transposition to the Open Sicilian, by Najdorf or Kan players.

You need to learn the theory though, like whether White goes Grand Prix or Closed, and mostly what to do with that d-pawn.  Typically, Black starts out with 1...c5, 2...a6, 3...b5, 4...e6, 5...Be7, and 6...d5 or 6...d6, depending on the specific situation at hand.  Did White develop his King's Knight to e2, f3, h3, or is it still on g1?  Did White play Closed or Grand Prix?  Etc etc.

Thanks,

i do not mind learning some theory.Could you please reccomend a good resource for learning this? Also can this only be used as a surprise weapon?

Thanks in advance  

It's recommended in Pallister's book on the anti-sicilians. 

A friend of mine prepared to play a grand prix line with f4, and Bb5 once. When arrived at her board saw she had a look which would sour milk, when opponent played 2...a6.

.

bump

I also have the book. This is my pet idea against grand prix setups.

The variation you post looks promising against the closed Sicilian. If you have databsse, you can search games with this starting position. I myself am interested to play it against the closed Sicilian.

thanks everybody for your replies!

@sargentboomstick: Is this book good? Also, Do you find yourself stuck in bad positions because your opponents know you are going to play this?

Thanks in advance

The book is great. I would recommend it. It doesn't really matter if they know I'm going to play it, because it's sound. The only real way to play anything other than the open 3. nf3 lines, is to play the closed.

Thanks sargentboomstick; i previously thought about getting this book but was dissapointed by the reviews on amazon and other places.

Good luck with your chess!

You too.