I think playing 2. ... a6 is quite convenient for a Najdorf player. Though, accepting the attack is not to be feared, it is stil a rather double-edged attempt.

The problem of course is as Pikachulord6 mentions:
White has the option to enter the Closed Sicilian instead and ...a6 may turn out to be a waste of tempo in many lines (though one may argue that the closed nature of the position may allow for a waste of 1 tempo).

I play the Najdorf and follow this recipe:
a) If I know my opponent plays the GP: 2. ... a6
b) If I know nothing about him/her: 2. ... d6
=> I prefer not to miss the option to enter a Najdorf by committing with 2. Nc3 Nc6, but this is also a good option, e.g. you could play an Acc. Dragon instead, while avoiding the Maroczy (plus you get a more unbalanced game if you want to play for a win).

MartinC wrote on 11/20/12 at 16:29:33:

Do you play the usual Nge7 or Ftacnik's Nf6?

2...d6 frustrates a Grand Prix Attack player?! I always thought that it gave a GPA player exactly what he wanted. The main two moves that frustrate (at least to me) are 2...e6 and 2...a6. In both cases, I believe f2-f4 is less optimal, and some GPA players prefer to transpose to the Open Sicilian instead.

EDIT: I just realized that you already acknowledged that 2...d6 gives White what he wants. But I still don't see how it stops any attack.


If I recall correctly, if White insists on a Closed Sicilian against 2...a6, then g2-g3 is preferable to the immediate f2-f4.

I like this move against 2.Nc3...What do other players think.
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 a6 is the line chosen in the new book The Sharpest Sicilian 2012 and Fighting the Anti-Sicilians by Richard here at Chesspub.  I like the idea of not giving white the Fianchetto to try and break open with his king side pawns!