Old Sicilian Variation, why does white leave e4 pawn undefended?
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After 5...nxe4 6. d5 once the knight moves queen a4+ forks the king and knight on e4. This is a common trap when black plays d6 and white plays c3. To leave the e pawn undefended as it can’t be taken
In the following line of the Old Sicilian Variation, 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 d6 4. c3 Nf6
the move that seems most recommended next for white is 5. Be2. Now, can anyone tell me, please, what is the advantage for white to leave the e4 pawn undefended? Thanks, on daily chess I'm rated 1200 and end up playing Sicilian a lot, as both white and black, to understand this line a bit more would be helpful, thanks!
https://www.365chess.com/opening.php?m=10&n=2220&ms=e4.c5.Nf3.Nc6.d4.d6.c3.Nf6.Be2&ns=3.3.4.37.45.5025.3707.5266.2220