Alapin Sicilian Defense & Barmen Defense
Alapin Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Alapin Sicilian Defense (often shortened to “the Alapin”) is a system for
White that begins with the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. c3
It is technically a variation of the Sicilian Defense, but because the second
move is made by White, many players simply call it “the Alapin” rather than
“the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense.” The move 2.c3 prepares an
immediate d2–d4, aiming to build a broad pawn center while sidestepping the
theory-heavy Open Sicilian (2.Nf3 followed by 3.d4).
Typical Move Orders and Branches
The most common responses for Black are:
- 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 – the traditional main line in which White gains space while Black relies on counterplay against the d4 pawn.
- 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 – a quick central strike; the queen will often retreat to d6 or d8 after Nc3 hits it.
- 2…e6 3.d4 d5 – transposes to a French-like structure known as the Advance French with colors reversed.
- 2…g6 3.d4 Bg7 or 2…e5 – rarer tries aimed at creating unbalanced, less theoretical positions.
Strategic Themes
- Controlled Center: By delaying d2–d4 until it is supported by the c-pawn, White hopes to avoid exchanges that would leave an isolated d-pawn.
- Space vs. Development: After 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5, White has extra space, but Black’s minor pieces are often more active.
- Pawn Breaks: Black normally looks for …d6 or …f6 to undermine White’s center, while White aims for d4–d5 or sometimes f2–f4.
- Piece Placement: White’s dark-squared bishop usually goes to d3 or b5; the light-squared bishop often stays on e2 or emerges via g2 after g3–Bg2 setups.
Historical Background
Named after Russian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), the line became popular
at the end of the 19th century. Alapin’s original idea was to
avoid Black’s heavy Sicilian preparation and force positions in which piece
play—and not memorization—decides the outcome.
Grandmasters Evgeny Sveshnikov, Sergei Tiviakov, Michael Adams, and more
recently Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana have all used the Alapin as a
reliable weapon, especially in rapid and blitz play where forcing Black out
of mainstream theory is valuable.
Model Game
Caruana–Carlsen, London Chess Classic (rapid), 2019
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 2.c3 looks so “quiet,” beginners often underestimate the line, only to discover that experienced Alapin players can launch a direct kingside attack after f2–f4.
- The world-championship-winning engine AlphaZero frequently played c2–c3 against the Sicilian in self-play experiments, giving the variation a modern seal of approval.
- In blitz, Hikaru Nakamura has adopted the move order 1.e4 c5 2.Ne2!? followed by 3.c3, calling it a “Turbo-Alapin.”
Barmen Defense
Definition
The Barmen Defense is an off-beat reply for Black that arises after:
1. e4 c6 2. d4 c5
Instead of following the usual Caro-Kann path with 2…d5, Black strikes
immediately at the d4-pawn with the c-pawn. The move order was first tried
at the international tournament held in Barmen, Germany, in 1905, which gave
the opening its name.
How It Is Used
The Barmen Defense is employed by players who:
- want to avoid classical Caro-Kann theory altogether,
- don’t mind accepting a slightly worse structure in return for catching White off guard,
- like Benoni-type middlegames but wish to reach them from a 1.e4 move order.
Main Lines
- 3.dxc5 – The most principled. After 3…e6 4.Be3 Na6 (or 4…Nf6), Black gambits a pawn for rapid development and central pressure.
- 3.Nf3 – Keeping the center intact. Play may continue 3…cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3, leading to Sicilian-like structures with colors reversed.
- 3.c3 – Transposes to an Advance French setup after 3…d5, again with an unusual move order.
Strategic and Practical Considerations
- Benoni in Reverse: If White captures on c5 and Black later plays …e6 and …d5, a reversed Benoni (normally reached after 1.d4) can arise.
- Center vs. Development: By playing 2…c5, Black relinquishes the fight for d5 (at least temporarily) but hopes to use faster development to compensate.
- Psychological Value: Because very few study this line in depth, the practical surprise factor is its greatest asset.
Historical Snapshot
At Barmen 1905, German master Carl Carls and others experimented with the immediate …c5 against 2.d4, leading annotators to dub the line the “Barmen Defense.” Although it never caught on at top level, English GM Tony Miles and Latvian attacking legend Mikhail Tal both tried it in casual and blitz encounters, keeping the line alive for romantically inclined players.
Illustrative Encounter (shortened)
Rotle – Nimzowitsch, Barmen 1905
Interesting Tidbits
- The opening is sometimes mis-typed as the “Barmen Gambit,” though no pawn is sacrificed in the initial position.
- A direct transposition to a French Defense (Advance Variation) can occur after 1.e4 c6 2.d4 c5 3.c3 d5 4.e5, making it a useful tool for French players who start with 1…c6.
- Despite its rarity, the ECO system does include the line: it is cataloged under code B10 (“Caro-Kann, Barmen Defense”).
- Online bullet specialists sometimes play 2…c5 to steer the game into positions generated largely by instinct rather than memorized theory.