Sicilian: 2.c4!?

Sort:
Avatar of Salaskan

The Maróczy Bind, which can be annoying for black to play against, is normally prevented by provoking Nc3 with Nf6 in an open Sicilian. However, what if white just plays. 1.e4 c5 2.c4 ? If black then tries to clamp down on d4 with 2...Nc6 3.Nf3 g6 4.d4 just transposes to an Accelerated Dragon, which is not what most Najdorf players want. How does one prevent this?

Avatar of orangehonda

The same way you prevent moves like 2.d3 intending a KIA, you can't.  If you're a Sicilian player you just have to decide the way you want to face 2.c4.

I'm a french guy myself, and don't play 2.c4 in the Sicilian, so I'll let someone else suggest lines you can use.  I'd probably play 3...e5 for an symmetrical english.

Avatar of The_R00k

Most strong players who play 2.c4!? (including the aforementioned Rogers and Popchev) seem to aim for the "Botvinnik System", a set-up more commonly reached through the English opening. The Botvinnik System is very flexible, and tends to rely more on ideas than theory. Although this approach doesn't promise more than objective equality for white, the positions tend to offer scope for the better player to outplay their opponent. Miezis Normund (GM) seems to play the Botvinnik System at nearly every opportunity (via c4) and with success.

 

Avatar of billwall

This opening seems popular among lower rated players.  I've encountered it at least 90 times (and by transposition with 1.c4 c5 2.e4).  Here is a short one.