How to respond to 1. e4 c5 2. Bc4

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Avatar of GTchbe

Hello,

I'm not that great of a chess player, and lately a lot of the times when I've gone with the Sicilian I've seen an early bishop to c4, second and sometimes third move.  I'm just looking for suggestions on how to respond to this, especially ones that would get rid of a Ng5 threat with bishop and knight eyeing f7.  Also, someone earlier I played moved c3, to get the queen on b2.  How should I respond to that?  Thanks in advance for any help.

Avatar of Christopher1991

I see this a lot, the best way I think would be to play for d5, but before playing it I recommend playing a6, Nc6, e6, and Nge7 or Nf6

Avatar of Musikamole
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Avatar of Musikamole

Let me try this again.

B20: The Sicilian Defense - Bowlder Attack. 1.e4 c5 2.Bc4.

The next move is 2...e6, prevents a common mate attack by targeting the f7 pawn.

 


Avatar of GTchbe

What usually happens after that?  Am I supposed to move d5 soon? 

Avatar of Fortiscue
GTchbe wrote:

What usually happens after that?  Am I supposed to move d5 soon? 


1.e4 c5

2.Bc4 e6

Then if...

3.Nc3, then 3...a6, intending a timely ...b5, and a game of queenside expansion.

Or if...

3.Nf3 or anything else that doesn't blunder a piece and give you an even better option, then 3...d5.  Followed by classical development, when the tempo gained by attacking the bishop equalizes instantly.

Avatar of Musikamole

I prefer 2...e6 over 2..Nf6. I'd rather remove the threat of mate sooner.


Avatar of Musikamole

I also find 2...Nf6 unpleasant for this reason:


Avatar of Musikamole
rich wrote:

After 3.Qf3 black plays Nc6, like this. Only a patzer would play Nxe4.


I agree. That's why I placed ?? after Nxe4. I don't feel that Nf6 stops White's initiative as well as 2...e6.

3.Qf3 would be a mistake as well, and the experienced player would notice it and play 3...Nc6. This would give Black a slight advantage. However, after 2...Nf6 3.e5, it gets tricky and Black must fight for equality, when the simple solution would be to play 2...e6.

Avatar of Musikamole

5. Bxd7+ would be a mistake. Better would be 5. Be2. Why give up the bishop pair so quickly?  Also, it does give Black the chance to lead in development.


Avatar of Musikamole
rich wrote:

I know e6 is the most simple solution, no doubt the best move in the position. But I like to try and make things go crazy.


In Blitz, it would burn some time on the clock for someone who has not seen the trick of 2...Nf6. Smile

Avatar of SnakeInTheSky

What would be the correct response to 1.e4 c5 2.Bc4 e6 3.e5 ?

Avatar of Bellcow

3...d5 or 3...Nc6 both look more than adequate.

Avatar of Guten7

I would wait with e6. If white will really attack f7 later with Qb3 or Ng5 or something like that, then play e6.
Natural is 1.e4 c5 2. Bc4 Nc6 - preventing e5 and preparing Nf6. Even after Nf3 it is possible to play Nf6 or you can just go d6 or e6. Its not a critical line.

Avatar of Guten7
jmiranda37211 wrote:

What would be the correct response to 1.e4 c5 2.Bc4 e6 3.e5 ?

d6 is just fine. d5 also make sense.

Avatar of Insanistis

Something like this will be solid enough to players who try 2. Bc4

Avatar of MikeHackett
rich wrote:

What about this.

i dont like this block with the bishop hoping the bishops are traded, what if this offer is ignored and the knight is simply taken? you have doubled pawns but gain central majority and bishop pair but if you dont manage to gain a big middlegame advantage these doubled pawns could end you in the end game
Avatar of SeriousCat35

e6 works for me 

Avatar of Sqod

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http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/2-bc4-against-the-sicilian2
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http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/what-do-you-think-is-the-most-boring-opening
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http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/e4-c5-bc4
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http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/sicilian-2bc42

Avatar of Irjene

e6 and at some point push d5