Mtal wrote on 01/13/16 at 16:06:06:


The most mainstream/critical Anti-Sicilian repertoire would be 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6/d6 3.Bb5 (Rossolimo/Moscow) and 2...e6 3.c3 (Alapin). I wouldn't trust the Delayed Wing Gambit or Smith Morra (it can work well at fast time-controls mind), but KIA approaches are quite decent when Black is committed to 2...e6.

If you like system openings and don't care about the theoretical evaluation, stuff like the 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4/c3 variation, the Grand Prix Attack (but 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5) and the Big Clamp (starting 2.d3 or 2.Be2) can work well in practice provided you understand the middlegame positions. Even 2.b3 for more creative souls.

In any case, the best reason for playing an Anti-Sicilian is that you're getting your Sicilian opponent out of the positions they are most intimate with, and have most of the choice regarding what middlegame appears on the board. That can be particularly useful against lower-rated players.

MartinC wrote on 01/13/16 at 19:00:28:

Thanks, actually I was going to put bb5 in the mix also. Was told it was good to play against nc6 But have not looked at any lines yet.

Hi all,

I been wondering, vs the sicilian, after e4 c5, nf3, the based on blacks reply, play either the delayed wing gambit, Smith morra, c3, or maybe bb5. Is it a decent idea? Based on what black plays, which opening would be best to try? Or is it just better to play these anti-sicilains on move 2? Thanks.