Sicilian Katalimov

It never ceases to amaze me how new lines are developed in the Sicilian seemingly weekly. I do like this variation and will play it. I do however, respectfully, disagree with the evaluations given above. What1. e4c52. Nf3b63. d4e64. Nc3 does is allow black to not have to exchange at d4. If white pushes with 5.d5, black can close the position with 5..d6. If white exchanges at c5 black can capture with either the bishop or pawn and maintain pressure on d4. If white plays 5.e5!?, black can play 5..d5! and transpose into an advanced French where he doesn't have the problem bishop as in other French variations. Unless white plays enpassant which would completely liquidate the center and even give black the opportunity to offer a queen trade in the opening while leading in development! The fact that that can even be a possibility illustrates just how sound the Katalimov can be for black.

I'd like to thank Moon_Red and Bishop_g5 for their work. The labyrinth known as the Sicilian Defense caused me to abandon 1.e4 well over a decade ago, and after major usages of the French, Modern, Alekhine, The Rat, and Nimzovitch Defense, I have finally surrendered to the fact that the reason that the Sicilan Defense is played more anyother games is because it works...for both sides! Pick your poison and deal with it. Because of the labyrinth, more and more players play 1.d4. The Katalimov can actually transpose into a form of Queens Indian if 3..e6 is used. Now tell me, what 1.e4 player thinks he'd be on the white side of the Queens Indian as early as move 4?