I looked through all my opponents games that I could find as white and black before commencing play in the Champions League. I was stunned at the high proportion of draws in their games with the Nadjorf and Sveshnikov. Most of these players were graded about 2100-2400 on ICCF. These variations reach deep into the middle game before any original moves are played. 

So I did not play 1.e4 in any game as white and played other sicilian variations as black. I cannot reveal the score as the game is in progress but I played a TN on move two in one game where my opponent played a line given in secret opening surprises.   

One line worth investigaton in over-the-board play where your opponent plays the Najdorf is

1. e4 c5
2. Nf3 d6
3. c3 Nf6
4. Bc4 (usual is Be2 or h3)

lnn2 wrote on 09/14/07 at 03:16:11:


The Exchange Ruy is more mapped out and barren, as opposed to the more fertile territory of the Exchange Rossolimo variation. This relative fertility rather than logic or objective chess strength is part of the appeal of Bxc6 in the Rossolimo.

"Rossolimo (3.Bb5) is good against weaker players since they don't really know what to do, while in main lines they might know lots of theory" - GM D. Tyomkin justifying his choice against a 2100+ player. That kinda says it all methinks.

Cheers,

Toppy

I'm currently playing 4 Bxc6 a little bit and the positions are a lot of fun.  Don't expect an opening advantage though if Black knows what he's doing.  4 O-O might be more ambitious.  I'm trying this next.

I'd have to say I'm sympathetic to the view of Kramnik, who was quoted as saying that he finds 4. Bxc6 "a very strange move."