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Chess/B-c4 in the Sicilian

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Expert: - 5/8/2006


Question
Whenever I play the Sicilian against players who have never studied openings, the game always seems to go
1 e4 c5
2 N-f3 d6
3 B-c4

I know this move is a weak move and that it is not recommended for white, but I'm not quite sure why. Can you explain the theory a bit and give me a possible continuation I can use?

thanks

Jim

Answer
Hi Jim - best The way to deal with this set-up is to play  3...Nf6 with the idea of 4...e6 then 5...d5 if White doesn't transpose to normal Sicilian lines with d4 at some point.  Another way is to play 4...e5 and if 5.Ng5 Nh6 followed by Be7.

Regards,

Len Molden  

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Len Molden

Expertise

Questions about specific chess openings and advice about which opening repertoire is suited to a particular style. For example, the Sicilian Defense is suited to aggressive players, while the Caro Kann Defense appeals to defensive players.

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I've been studying chess since I was 12. Apart from a vast library of specialized chess opening books, I also have a huge database collection of games.

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University, College

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I've been playing in chess tournaments in the United States and Canada since 1972. I've won many tournaments in both countries and I'm ranked as a Canadian Expert. I've also written articles for chess magazines and one of my best victories ever is featured here:

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