dsanchez wrote on 06/08/06 at 17:57:39:
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 Nf6!? 4.Bg2 e6.
Very disappointing. Don't these guys read?
Does anyone else run into this?
Great question. I've run across this too, and have been surprised by the solidity of black's game. My experience runs in line with many of the comments:
a) An early Be3 can work out badly because black has d5 threatening d4.
b) White should keep an eye open for an IQP position (...d5 exd ....exd d4). The problem is that black can play d6 and await further developments.
c) White can think about a general king side pawn advance: f4 g4-5, etc. But black may strike back in the center at an inconvenient moment.
d) White can think of central/king-side play with f4 to be followed by e5 or f5.
e) White can develop his game, then play d4 offering an open Sicilian type game.
In short, I have wrestled with this too and have no answer.
Still, it helps to think it over - and improvise in your next game, depending on your opponent's configuration of pieces and pawns.
To stay true to the Closed Sicilian spirit, I might start with Bg2 Nge2 0-0 (holding the d pawn back) and await further developments. However, Black has noncommital moves too (Nc6, d6, e6, Nf6, Qc7, a6, and perhaps Nd4).
Next time, I'll try to anticipate anything special from black as the game proceeds and, when able, work in positive white moves (f4, or h3-g4) and/or developmental moves, d3 Bd2. It is a slow game, but eventually something has to give.