Sicilian - Keres variation (2.Ne2)

The Sicilian Keres Variation, also known as the 2.Ne2 Sicilian, is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. e4 c52. Ne2

This variation is named after Estonian chess grandmaster Paul Keres, who occasionally played it. The Keres Variation is considered an offbeat line of the Sicilian Defence, which is one of the most popular and best-scoring responses to 1.e4.

By playing 2.Ne2, White aims to develop the knight to a more flexible square compared to the more common 2.Nf3. From e2, the knight can later go to g3, f4, or d4, depending on the situation. This flexibility allows White to adapt to Black's setup more easily.

Here are some reasons to play the Sicilian Keres Variation:

1. Surprise factor: The Keres Variation is not as popular or well-studied as other Sicilian lines, which means your opponent might be less prepared to face it. This can lead to unbalanced positions where you have more experience and comfort.

2. Flexibility: As mentioned earlier, the knight on e2 has multiple options for its next move, allowing White to adapt to Black's setup.

3. Avoiding mainlines: If you want to avoid heavily analyzed and theory-rich lines like the Najdorf, Scheveningen, or Open Sicilian, the Keres Variation can be an attractive choice.

However, there are also reasons to avoid the Sicilian Keres Variation:

1. Less aggressive: The Keres Variation is generally considered less aggressive than other Sicilian lines. While it aims for solid and flexible development, it doesn't put immediate pressure on Black.

2. Slower development: Developing the knight to e2 instead of f3 delays the development of the kingside, which can give Black opportunities to counterattack or equalize quickly.

3. Lack of resources: Since the Keres Variation is not as popular as other Sicilian lines, there are fewer high-level games and analysis available for study. This can make it more challenging to improve and refine your understanding of the opening.

In conclusion, the Sicilian Keres Variation is a flexible and relatively unexplored option for players looking to sidestep mainstream Sicilian theory. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking aggressive and well-established lines with abundant resources for study.