maroczy defense seems underrated

I’ve been exploring various answers to 1.e4 and 1.d6 aka the Pirc is obviously really decent, however after anything except 2.d4 the best engine move is to transfer into sicilian, and for 2.d4 people usually play the KID setup. Second best engine move however is 2.d5, which is mostly considered an inaccuracy in e4 e5 structures since you instantly lose the ability to castle after a queen trade. Even so, engine says it’s a +0,4 position which is similar to engine evaluations of caro, french and others. So somehow the “best” case scenario for white against an inaccurate move is only +0,4. The position is also oversimplified, a whole file for both rooks available as well as the ability to go for an e5 f6 structure which usually is a blunder. This seems really good for black. There’s also the 1. e4 d6 2. d4 e5 3. dxe5 Qe7 line, which yea is +0,7 but still seems really tricky for white

Hmm. I am confused by your moves.

You say, ”Second best engine move however is 2.d5, which is mostly considered an inaccuracy in e4 e5 structures since you instantly lose the ability to castle after a queen trade. Even so, engine says it’s a +0,4 position which is similar to engine evaluations of caro, french and others.”

How can 2.d5 be a move after 1.e4? Did you mean 2..d5?

I think it is a mistake to use engines to make opening strategy.

Definitely avoid 1..f6.