c4-d3-e4-f4 Anti Sicilian?

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Avatar of rooperi

Is this structure really bad?

At least it gets Sicilian players out of the book, and I'm doing OK with it. It seems it was played somewhat regularly in the 19th century.

Avatar of Salaskan

White obviously gets a gaping hole on d4, but you're right in that it gives you no immediate problems and the kingside space advantage can easily be used for an attack. However, if black knows what he's doing he can counter-strike in the center with e6/Nge7/d5 once you try to go for his king and then pushing e5 may seem to shut in his bishop, but actually leaves you with a weak pawn structure that can be underminded with f6 etc. If you like this system though perhaps you could try the Grand Prix Attack (e4/Nc3/f4/Nf3/Bc4/Qe1-h4) which is easy to play and quite dangerous.

Avatar of Pikachulord6

A variation on the GPA, eh? My question to you is this: What does the pawn push c2-c4 do for you? Keeping in mind that it weakens the d4 square, weakens the d3 pawn, and gives the g7 bishop nice scope, there must be something good in a move like that or it isn't worth playing. It increases control over d5, but to me, it doesn't seem like the GPA because the king's bishop is still at f1. In my opinion, the GPA is simpler and therefore, easier to handle. You play for kingside chances and avoid moves that weaken your queenside. The f1 bishop can also be used to exchange the c6 knight and reduce their queenside counterplay. I personally wouldn't use this opening, but there are definitely more dubious lines out there.

Avatar of LogoCzar

picachu lord, i love pokemon