Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. c3

Sicilian:Alapin Variation
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR b
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. c3

Sicilian - Alapin Variation

White plays c3 with the aim of avoiding the classic Sicilian lines. As both the Closed Sicilian and Open Sicilian have been extensively studied, their use involves a lot of theory to become comfortable with them. This means low- and mid-rated players (up to Club level) would not be familiar with all the variations of the Sicilian lines, and are prone to traps and gambits.

The Alapin is known as an "anti-Sicilian" as it primarily stems Black’s initiative and helps White gain control of the d4 square.

Named after Semyon Alapin, the opening didn’t become popular until the latter 20th century. It was initially thought that the response 2 ...d5 was too strong a position for Black, but modern analysis has shown it to be more favourable for White.

Black’s response

Since White’s intention with 2.c3 is to then later play d4, Black’s response aims to disrupt this central control.

2 ...d5 used to be the default response, and is still very playable for Black. After 3.exd5 then 3 ...Qxd5, giving Black fast central control and quicker development. Notably, White is unable to bring their knight to c3 as the square is occupied by the c pawn.

2 ...Nf6 has gained popularity. Although not as aggressive for Black, it allows for a more solid structure going into the midgame. The main line follows with 3. e5 Nd5 (3 ...Ne4 is a mistake, as it allows 4. d3, leading to capture of the knight).

2 ...d6 and 2 ...e6 are less common openings, but still playable.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. e4 c5 2. c3

	2	3	4	5
	c3 Nf6	e5 Nd5	d4 cxd4	Nf3 Nc6	=
	... d5	exd5 Qxd5	d4 Nf6	Nf3 Bg4	=
	... g6	d4 cxd4	cxd4 d5	e5 Bg7	=
	... e6	d4 d5	exd5 exd5	Nf3 Nc6	+/=

References

• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.

• Nunn's Chess Openings. 1999. John Nunn (Editor), Graham Burgess, John Emms, Joe Gallagher. ISBN 1-8574-4221-0.