I play c4 as an anti-sicilian. It's not one of the popular anti-sicilians, so i assume there must be something wrong with it that better players could exploit, but it generally does well against the mid range players i play.
It seems most club players are unwilling to essay the ML open sicilian. Since the main line is generally the best line why do you think that holds true?
smith-morra every time - it's very trappy, it's not what black is looking for playing the Sicilian, I've got a great record with it and don't have to learn much theory at all.
As White do you allow Main Line Open Sicilians (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 var 3. d4....) or do you play anti Sicilians ( 2. c3/Nc3/Bb5/d4)? Why?
If you play the Sicilian as black which anti-Sicilians do you like to see and which don't you like?
As White I play both depending on mood. The antis I play are normally Nc3 or Bb5, but occasionally I'll throw out 2. d4 for fun.
As black I dislike the 2.c3 lines the most as they completely change the character of the game.