Alapin Sicilian Sherzer Variation
Alapin Sicilian Defense – Sherzer Variation
Definition
The Sherzer Variation is a sharp sub-line of the Alapin (c3) Sicilian that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Bc4. Named after the American Grandmaster Alexander Sherzer, it uses the early bishop sortie to c4 to put immediate pressure on the sensitive f7-square and to accelerate kingside development. The position after 6.Bc4 is shown below.
Typical Move-Order
- e4 c5
- c3 Nf6
- e5 Nd5
- d4 cxd4 (4…e6 is an alternative leading to similar positions)
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4 …
The bishop’s appearance on c4 is the hallmark of the Sherzer Variation; most other Alapin lines place the bishop on e2 or d3 instead.
Strategic Themes
- Pressure on f7: With the knight on g1 already developed to f3, Bc4 sets up ideas such as Ng5 and Qf3, aiming at the classic weak point in Black’s camp.
- Lead in development: White often castles quickly and seizes open lines while Black’s queenside pieces are still on their original squares.
- Central tension: The pawn on e5 cramps Black’s kingside pieces and denies the natural …f6 break for quite some time. Black therefore strives for …d6 or …d5 to undermine the pawn chain.
- Pawn structure: After the early exchange on d4, White enjoys a healthy pawn majority in the centre (pawns on c3, d4, e5) which can roll forward if Black fails to create counterplay.
Typical Plans
For White
- Castle kingside swiftly (0-0) then place the rook on e1 to support the advance e5–e6 or to prepare d4–d5.
- Deploy the light-squared bishop to d3 after Bc4 retreats if necessary, doubling on the a2-g8 diagonal.
- In some lines push c4, fixing the knight on d5 and expanding on the queenside.
For Black
- Challenge the e5-pawn with …d6 or …d5, sometimes sacrificing a pawn for activity.
- Seek piece exchanges—particularly of the dark-squared bishops—reducing White’s attacking potential against f7.
- Use the half-open c-file for rook activity; …Qc7 and …Be7/g7 are common preparatory moves.
Historical Background
Alexander Sherzer popularised the line in the early 1990s, employing it successfully in U.S. Championship play. Its aggressive stance appealed to many young players looking for an alternative to the heavily analysed main-line Alapin positions with Bc4 or Be2. Notably, several top grandmasters—including Vishy Anand and Vassily Ivanchuk—have faced it from the Black side, giving the variation practical and theoretical weight.
Illustrative Games
- Sherzer – Yermolinsky, U.S. Championship 1990
White unleashed the thematic Ng5 and Qh5, forcing concessions around Black’s king and scoring a model attacking win. - Ivanchuk – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1996
Anand neutralised the early pressure with …d5 and a timely queen exchange, demonstrating Black’s resources and leading to a balanced endgame. - Caruana – Vachier-Lagrave, Biel 2012
Modern heavyweight treatment: Caruana introduced the manoeuvre Bf1–e2–f3, maintained central control and eventually converted a small edge in a rook ending.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes
- GM Sherzer reportedly began experimenting with 6.Bc4 after noticing that many Sicilian players felt uncomfortable when confronted with early pressure on f7—a departure from their usual Najdorf or Sveshnikov territory.
- The line is ECO-coded B22, but databases will often sub-label it “B22.13” or simply “Alapin, Sherzer.”
- Because the critical position often arises by move 6, the variation is a favourite of rapid and blitz specialists who appreciate steering the game into less-travelled channels early on.
- Computers evaluate the starting position as roughly equal (≈ 0.10) but engines fluctuate sharply depending on whether Black finds timely …d6 or …d5; this makes the line a practical weapon at all levels.
Modern Status
The Sherzer Variation is not at the very forefront of elite theory, yet it remains a viable surprise weapon. Its blend of clear attacking ideas and manageable theory appeals to club players and grandmasters alike. While many Sicilian aficionados trust in Black’s chances for counterplay, they must know concrete lines to avoid getting steam-rolled on the kingside in the first 20 moves.