Is there a reason why 5. Bd3 isn't commonly seen in response to 4.nf6 in the Open Sicilian? It seems logical enough to free the ability to play c4 and try to cement early control of the d5 square that way. Obviously the Light Square Bishop is locked on d3/e2 there, but that is not really drastically different to Maroczy lines in the Dragon anyway.
Answers/Feedback appreciated! :)
Yeah, playing c4 and cementing your bishop d3. ;)
Unless Black played 2. ... e6 it is no particular good idea, it even encourages e7-e5 which make it look especially dumb.
PS: there’s even a line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3. d4 cd4 4. Nd4 a6 5.Bd3 e5!? which is playable.
I don't feel that e7-e5 is worth being afraid of, Black has the problem of the open d File and the weak backward d pawn in that situation.
I understand that the Development of the Bishop is an issue, however. Do you feel it is a playable system though?
My idea initially was trying it against 2.d6 As I played a much stronger player in a Blitz tournament last night and fell into theory in the Bg5 line of the Najdorf and ended up losing in about 25 moves. I was curious at the time whether Bd3 was playable instead of nc3. I had assumed there were tactical connotations.
Also I imagine there is a bi question mark on how best to respond to 5.Nc6. Does Capturing on c6 negate the point of playing c4 in the first place?
...e7-e5 is absolutely common and good. Black can make better use of the c-file (minority attack) than White of the d-file. You will never win the d6 as White... :D And Bd3 is pretty much an obstacle on „your“ semi-open file.
Thanks for the response :)
Or even ...e5 followed by ...d5.
Looking for alternatives 5.f3 (2. ... d6) is not bad.
5...e5 is actually the fourth-most played move. The most played moves are Nc6, g6, a6, e5, e6.
My Fav would be Nc6. If then Ne2 in order to play c4 then black plays for a quick d5, which is possible because Bd3 loses control of d5 (and d4). For example:
This is also the best way to equalize against 5.f3.
