Sicilian 1. e4 c5 2. c4 ??!

I've never run across this opening while playing Sicilian. This seems like it should be a mistake as white is giving up center control. Anyone looked into this line? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

There are 900 games in the Game Explorer, try playing through some of them and get a feel for it. Results favour Black though.

Best

Thanks a lot! Hadn't really found a use for game explorer.. chess.com keeps getting better for me lol.

Here, white is in one of three situations.

1) He's transposing to an English, and most likely aiming for a Botvinnik set up that will include e4, c4, d3, Nc3, Nge2, g3, and 0-0.

2) He's heard of "the Maroczy Bind" and only knows that it includes both e4 and c4.

3) He has no earthly idea what he's doing.

Really, case 1 is the only one to worry about.  As long as you play logically, the best white can hope for here is equality.  The plan I'd adopt would be Nc6 and a kingside fianchetto, aiming to control that lovely d4 square white has given you on a silver platter.

If you typically play e6 Sicilians, I imagine a plan with Nc6, Nf6, e6, and d5 would be fine, too, but is less my cup of Steinitzian tea.

Brilliant! Exactly what i was looking for. Havn't studied much into a Botvinnik, will give me something to look into. The sicilina dragon is by far my favorite line. Its looking like this will be the poison to his opening. 

Thanks a lot sabachka!