Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation

Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation

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Sicilian Defense, Alapin Variation

In chess, the Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation is a response to the Sicilian Defence characterized by the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. It is named after the Russian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923). For many years it was not held in high regard, since 2...d5 was thought to allow Black easy equality. [Siegbert Tarrasch wrote, using descriptive chess notation, "To 2. P-QB3? Black can advantageously reply with 2...P-Q4!." Siegbert Tarrasch, "The Game of Chess", David McKay, 1938, p. 322. ISBN 978-1880673942 (1994 Hays Publishing edition).] [Walter Korn, much like Tarrasch, dismissed the Alapin with "2...P-Q4!=." Walter Korn, "Modern Chess Openings, 11th Edition" (commonly referred to as "MCO-11"), Pitman Publishing, 1972, p. 148. ISBN 0-273-41845-9.]

Today, the Alapin is considered one of the most solid and respectable Anti-Sicilians and is championed by grandmasters such as Evgeny Sveshnikov, Eduardas Rozentalis and Drazen Sermek. It has in the past been played by World Champions Vladimir Kramnik, Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, Veselin Topalov and Viswanathan Anand.

The Alapin is also sometimes seen in deferred form, particularly if Black chooses an unusual second move after 2.Nf3. For example, after 2.Nf3 a6 or 2.Nf3 Qc7, 3.c3 is often seen, since neither ...a6 nor ...Qc7 is a particularly useful move against the Alapin.

Main variations

2...Nf6

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Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation 2... Nf6

1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5

This is the main line in current practice and can also arise if White offers, and Black declines, the Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5).

White has a number of options including 4.d4, 4.Nf3, 4.g3 and 4.Bc4.

2...d5

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Sicilian Defense, Alapin Variation 2... d5

1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5

This is the main alternative to 2...Nf6 for black. The main line continues 3.exd5 Qxd5. 3.e5 may transpose into the Advance variation of the French Defence if Black responds with 3...e6, but Black has other alternatives. After 3.exd5, 3...Nf6 is possible, but it is not clear whether Black will have sufficient compensation for the pawn.

The main options revolve around
*4.d4 Nc6 and now 5.dxc5 or 5.Nf3
*4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 when after both 5...e6 and 5...Bg4 White can try a number of different moves.

2...e6

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Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation 2...e6

This is Black's most solid response, preparing 3...d5. It is closely related to the French Defense, to which it often transposes. White can transpose to the Advance Variation of the French Defense with 3.d4 d5 4.e5. Alternatively, White can transpose to a sort of Tarrasch French with 3.d4 d5 4.Nd2, or try to demonstrate a slight advantage with 3.d4 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Be3.

2...d6

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Sicilian Defence, Alapin Variation 2...d6

This is a sharp response. Black often offers a gambit with 3.d4 Nf6 4.dxc5 Nc6 (4...Nxe4?? 5.Qa4+) 5.cxd6 Nxe4. However, White can instead play quietly with 3.d4 Nf6 4.Bd3, occupying the center and maintaining a spatial advantage.

Alapin's Opening

Another opening named after Semyon Alapin is 1. e4 e5 2. Ne2, Alapin's Opening.

References

*Eduardas Rozentalis and Andrew Harley, "Play the 2.c3 Sicilian" (UK: Gambit Publications 2002) ISBN 1-901983-56-0

Notes


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