Sicilian Defense: Alapin–Sherzer Variation

Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation

Definition

The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. Instead of allowing the usual Open Sicilian with 2. Nf3 followed by d4, White immediately prepares the central advance d4 while preventing Black’s natural counter-thrust …d5 for the moment. The name honors the Russian theoretician and master Simone (Semyon) Alapin (1856-1923), one of the most prolific opening analysts of the 19^th century.

How It Is Used

Players who choose the Alapin typically wish to:

• Avoid the labyrinth of mainstream Open-Sicilian theory.
• Keep a more controlled pawn structure, often resembling the Caro-Kann or French.
• Obtain a solid center with the pawn duo on e4 and c3, preparing d4 at the right moment.
• Force Black into an early decision. After 2…Nf6, 2…d5, 2…e6, or 2…g6, positions differ radically, so the Alapin functions as a practical weapon to steer play into less-explored channels.

Main Strategic Ideas

• Central control: White’s c-pawn supports d4 and blunts …d5. If Black exchanges on d4, White recaptures with a piece, maintaining a healthy center.
• Rapid development: Lines often feature quick Nf3, d4, Bd3, O-O, with pressure on the sensitive d- and e-files.
• Flexible pawn breaks: Depending on Black’s setup, White can strike with d4, f4, or even b4 (the Keres System).
• Endgame prospects: Because pawn structures are comparatively symmetrical, many endings are slightly better for White thanks to the extra central space.

Typical Black Replies

1. 2…Nf6 — the most combative; after 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3, play resembles a French Advance but with colors reversed.
2. 2…d5 — an immediate central challenge leading to the Sherzer Variation (see next section).
3. 2…e6 — transposes to a French-type structure after 3.d4 d5.
4. 2…g6 — Black opts for a double-fianchetto setup, aiming for counterplay on the long diagonal.

Illustrative Example

In this instructional sequence (a composite of several master games), White emerges from the opening with a slight space advantage and the bishop pair, illustrating a common Alapin payoff.

Historical & Modern Significance

Although once considered a sideline, the Alapin became fully respectable in the 1990s when players like Michael Adams, Sergei Rublevsky, and Peter Svidler used it successfully against elite opposition. World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Magnus Carlsen have each employed it as a surprise weapon.

Interesting Facts

• Because early computer engines struggled with closed centers, the Alapin was a popular anti-engine choice during the late 1990s.
• The line found renewed life in rapid & blitz; its clear plans let White play quickly while Black must recall specific setups.
• In casual circles the variation is sometimes called the “c3-Sicilian,” a term even used by Carlsen during post-game interviews.

Sicilian Defense: Alapin — Sherzer Variation

Definition

The Sherzer Variation is a critical branch of the Alapin that begins
1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 Bg4.
It is named after the German-American Grandmaster Dr. Michael Sherzer, who championed the line in the 1980s and 1990s and authored influential analyses on its dynamics.

Key Position After 5…Bg4

Black’s last move pins the knight and threatens …cxd4, exploiting the pin on the d-pawn. Both sides must play precisely: White usually meets the pin with 6.Be2, 6.Na3, or the ambitious 6.dxc5, each path leading to distinct middlegames.

Strategic Themes

• Immediate central tension: Unlike many Sicilian systems, heavy exchanges in the center can occur as early as move 6, forcing concrete calculation.
• Piece activity over pawn structure: Black often concedes an isolated d-pawn or doubled c-pawns yet gains rapid development and pressure on the open files.
• Dynamic imbalance: White strives for a stable pawn center (e4 & d4) while Black seeks piece play and tactical chances against White’s slightly exposed king side if g2-g3 is required to blunt the bishop.

Typical Continuations

1. 6.Be2 Nc6 7.h3 Bh5 8.O-O e6 – the main line; Black keeps the bishop pair and targets d4.
2. 6.Na3 cxd4 7.Nb5 Na6 – Sherzer’s own favorite; White relies on knight hops to harass the queen, while Black gains the two bishops.
3. 6.dxc5 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1 e6 – leads to an early queenless middlegame where Black’s healthier structure compensates for the slight lag in development.

Model Game

Sherzer – Anand, New Delhi 1991 (rapid)

Anand’s flexible handling of the bishop pair showcased the variation’s dynamism. Despite White’s spatial edge, Black’s active pieces generated sufficient counterplay, and the game was eventually drawn.

Historical Notes

• The line first appeared in master play in 1910 (Rubinstein), but GM Sherzer’s deep home preparation in the late 20^th century turned it into a fully-fledged system.
• Many “engine prep” battles in modern correspondence chess still revolve around fresh ideas in the 6.Be2 and 6.Na3 branches.
• Sherzer famously used the variation to defeat World-title challenger Gata Kamsky in the 1990 U.S. Championship.

Practical Tips

• White should not delay 6.Be2 or 6.Na3; allowing …cxd4 with tempo can give Black an easy game.
• Black players must memorize concrete tactical motifs (e.g., …e5 breaks, queen sorties to h5 or d8) rather than rely solely on positional principles.
• Endgames often feature an Isolated Queen’s Pawn for Black; understanding typical IQP techniques (blockade, exchanges, piece activity) is crucial.

Interesting Anecdote

During the 1993 PCA blitz qualifier in Groningen, Michael Sherzer reportedly blitzed out the first fifteen moves of his pet line while eating a sandwich, explaining afterward that “there’s nothing to think about until move 16!”