2. Bc4 against the Sicilian

Why is this so popular? Recently ive started using the Sicilian and about 90% of the times I do, my opponent plays this move (the so called 'Bowlder attack'). Its actually quite a rare thing to play against the 'regular' open and closed variations. At least it is for me. Maybe I have a secret improbability drive, I don't know, has anyone else found this??

here's a typical example:

The people who play 2.Bc4 surely don't know that it's called Bowlder Attack or whatever, they simply don't know the Open Sicilian so play what appears to be a natural move. The Black equalizes easily but shouldn't expect too much early on.

 indeed usually this is what happens.

I played against this sometimes with great success using 2...e6, often followed by an attack with d5 sooner or later.

One of my best games ever was against 2. Bc4 in the Sicilian.

Is Anon your standard puching bag ? All the games you post seem to be vs. Anon.

thank you for that loomis, a most entertaining display.

I got my best chess.com rating so far (1869 points) in a game against the bowlder attack.

Its popularity is probably due to people that avoid the main lines of the Sicilian, believing their oponents are more confortable in them.

Very nice game Loomis.

For some of us, not all perhaps, it's to avoid gloating (which breeds bad behaviour). But self-congratulation is common enough, if you're into that.