Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense

Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation

Definition

The Alapin Variation is a system against the Sicilian Defense that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. Instead of entering the highly-theoretical Open Sicilian with 2. Nf3 and 3. d4, White prepares an immediate d2–d4 under extremely favorable circumstances while restricting Black’s natural counterplay in the center.

Typical Move Order

The most common continuations are:

• 2…d5 – the principled strike in the center leading to the Barmen Defense (see next section).
• 2…Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 – forcing the knight away and leading to positions that resemble the Advance Variation of the French or Caro-Kann.
• 2…e6 or 2…g6 – slower developments that try to transpose to favourable versions of the Taimanov or Accelerated Dragon set-ups.

Strategic Ideas

• Central Control: By playing c2–c3 White supports d2–d4 without allowing …cxd4 followed by …Qxd4.
• Reduced Theory: Compared with the main lines of the Sicilian, the Alapin’s theory is narrower and often more positional than tactical.
• Flexible Pawn Structure: The typical pawn chain e4–d4 gives White spatial advantage while depriving Black of the usual Sicilian counterplay on the d-file.
• Endgame-Friendly: Many pieces are exchanged early; strong endgame technique is a useful asset for Alapin players.

Historical Context

Named after the Russian master and theoretician Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), the line was considered a sideline for decades. Grandmasters such as Evgeny Sveshnikov, Sergei Tiviakov and, more recently, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana helped to raise its status to that of a fully-fledged main weapon.

Illustrative Example

World Championship, London 2018 (Game 5)

Carlsen used the Alapin to avoid Caruana’s deep preparation in the Open Sicilian, obtaining a small, safe edge.

Interesting Facts

• Despite its “anti-Sicilian” reputation, engine analysis often rates the Alapin as one of White’s most trying tests.
• An entire generation of scholastic players embraces 2. c3 because it is easy to learn yet strategically rich.
• The Alapin is one of the very few anti-Sicilians that scores near 55 % for White in master practice.

Barmen Defense

Definition

The Barmen Defense is Black’s immediate queen recapture in the Alapin after 1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5. Its name stems from the Barmen 1905 tournament where the idea was popularised.

How It Arises

By bringing the queen out so early Black:

• Recovers the pawn immediately, keeping symmetrical material.
• Provokes White to gain tempi with Nb1-c3, Nf3 or Bf1-e2.
• Maintains a flexible pawn structure without the isolated pawn that often appears after 3…Nf6 4. d4 Qxd5.

Strategic Considerations

1. Tempo vs. Structure: White gains time attacking the Black queen; Black hopes the solid structure compensates.
2. Piece Placement: Black often retreats the queen to d6 or d8 after Nb1-c3, aiming for …e6 and …Nf6.
3. Endgame Potential: Early queen trade possibilities can lead to simplified positions that some Sicilian players relish.

Modern Continuation (“Modern Line”)

Today’s main line continues 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Be3, reaching a harmonious set-up for both sides (covered in the next section).

Sample Game

Nakamura – Vachier-Lagrave, Internet Blitz 2020

Black accepts doubled a-pawns but achieves comfortable development and dynamic chances.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line was once considered so safe that Siegbert Tarrasch advocated it as a “second-move equaliser” for Black.
• Grandmaster Simon Williams jokingly calls it “The Cheeky Queen Hop” in his video courses.
• Engines initially disapproved of the queen excursion; modern versions (Stockfish 16, Lc0) evaluate it as roughly equal.

Modern Line

What the Term Means

“Modern Line” is a label used by opening encyclopedias (ECO, Informator, ChessBase, etc.) to denote the currently accepted main variation of a particular opening branch. It often supplants older classical prescriptions that theory has re-evaluated. In the context of the Alapin/Barmen, the Modern Line usually refers to:

1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Be3

Key Features of the Modern Line (Alapin – Barmen)

• Harmonious Development: White places the bishop on e3 to support d4 and possibly meet …cxd4 with cxd4, avoiding an isolated queen’s pawn.
• Flexible King Placement: Depending on Black’s set-up, White can castle kingside or delay castling to launch a quick kingside pawn storm.
• Black’s Setup: Black often continues with …Nc6, …Be7, …O-O and leverages the half-open c-file for counterplay.

Example Line

Bearing the “modern” stamp, both sides reach a balanced but rich middlegame.

Broader Usage of “Modern Line” in Chess Literature

• In the French Defense, the “Steinitz Variation, Modern Line” (7…cxd4) corrects the old …Qb6 schemes.
• In the King’s Indian, the “Modern Main Line” after 6…e5 7. O-O Nc6 supersedes the bygone Mar del Plata with 7…Nbd7.
• These designations evolve; what is “Modern” today may be dubbed “Classical” tomorrow!

Interesting Tidbits

• The ECO code often appends the phrase “Modern Line” (e.g., B22, C12, E94) to guide readers to the sharpest theoretical path.
• Because naming trails fashion, some “Modern Lines” are over 50 years old—proof that in chess, modern can become timeless.
• Opening names like “Modern Benoni” or “Modern Defense” are entirely different entities—not to be confused with the generic term “Modern Line.”