The most likely explanation, however, is logistical. I'm not sure what rules were in effect in different locations in the 1880s, but in those days, the rules of chess were still evolving (outside of the very basic rules of the movement of the pieces etc. that define the game of Western Chess as such) and much more subject to change than they are in today's chess world. For instance, the use of clocks wasn't standard until some time during the second half of the 19th century, and even such a basic rule as the threefold repetition draw claim hadn't solidified until at least the late 1800s either. Moreover, as there was no central chess authority in the pre-FIDE days (outside of what major organizers like the London Chess Club ruled for their tournaments) the more "administrative" rules (which touch move certainly qualifies as) could be expected to vary slightly from year to year or even locale to locale.
...........................................
Cheap SEO

parisestmagique wrote on 09/23/09 at 11:01:50:


If I am not missrembering Dzindzi recommended this line for black but I have never looked at this, especelly since I dont play c3 sicilian with white.

I've been looking at the transpositional possibilities after 2 ...Nf6 3 e5 Nd5 (and 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 c3 Nf6 4 e5 Nd5). Heck, it's complicated! Coming back to the Sicilian as I prob. am, I'm minded to play the 2 ...Nf6 3 e5 Nd5 4 4 d4 cd 5 Nf3 Nc6 6 cd (6 Bc4 e6 7 cd d6 transposes) d6 7 Bc4 e6 8 0-0 Be7 9 Qe2 0-0 line, since it looks quite solid, can be played equally after 2 c3 and 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 c3, and I don't think White can profitably avoid it. But what are the other possible transpositions? On 5 cd I assume I can play 5 ...e6 aiming for 6 Nf3 Nc6 (6 Bc4 d6; 6 Nc3 and now which is safer, 6 ...d6 or 6 ...Nc3?).

But, already on move 4 I could try ...e6 or ...d6 in answer to 4 d4 -- where can I find theory on this? I've no idea what happens after 4 ...d6; on 4 ...e6 though I can meet 5 Nf3 with 5 ...cd (is 5 ...d6 OK too?) and 5 Bc4 with 5 ...Nc6 (are 5 ...d6 and 5 ...Nc7 reputable?). Is there (assuming Black wants to play the ...e6 line I mention) anything to gain or lose by delaying ...cxd4?

Is it Dzindzi's recommandation for White ?

Can you give the line ? after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 g6 i dont see how to get a plus for White.

What do you think of this variation for Black : 1.e4 c5 2.c3 g6!? for exemple 3.d4 cxd 4.cxd d5 5.e5 and now Nh6,Bg7 or maybe h5!? to play à la Gurgenidze with Nh6 and Bg4 or Bf5.

GM Tiviakov seems to disagree - and proves his point, as his score after 2.c3 is 68%.