2 Nf3 is the clear choice in the master games database.
#If after 1 e4, .. c5 is played by Gotham, what should we play on Move 2?
soft marsh
2 Nc3 and c3 are the primary alternatives.
I like c3 too, maybe we can also try Bc4 an try to point to f7 early, is an annoying move in my opinion but e6 is really solid against it
zinc night
We will be polling this. Are the 3 moves above sufficient?
agile perch
I like c3 too, maybe we can also try Bc4 an try to point to f7 early, is an anno...
In general, it’s not recommended in the Sicilian
Imo open (Nf3), closed (Nc3) and Alapin (c3) Sicilian are sufficient
radiant hill
I prefer Nf3, it is clearly the best move.
empty plinth
Nf3
celest lodge
c3 is not viable imo if you want a fun game, especially in daily. Either play Nf3 or the smith morra
zinc night
Smith-Morra Gambit starts with 2 d4.
mellow gale
zinc night
I am thinking to include 2 Nf3, Nc3, c3 in this poll since they are all played over 1% of the time in the Master Games database. There are 3 more moves that round up to 1% each: 2. d4, d3, b3. Should any of these be added?
zinc night
Poll is up for "What shall we play on move 2, if 1. e4 c5 is played?" on #next-move-polls
zinc night
**2 Nf3 has won our poll for 1 e4 c5 with 12/13 votes. The poll is generally final and all of our team should vote and promote this move on https://www.chess.com/votechess/game/386700 . I had intended to give us 3 days instead of 1 day, but 1 day will be all we have going forward. We will likely publish all 4 poll results together as our Move 2 recommendations in the new few days.
Since this is the first binding poll we have had, I'm asking if there are any concerns about this?**
zinc night
**Why do we play 2 Nf3 against 1 e4 c5? ** We need to include our rationale for choosing this move.
wind briar
c3 is not viable imo if you want a fun game, especially in daily. Either play Nf...
I play 2.c3 all the time and have plenty of fun with it -- and I find it far easier to play than Nf3