Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense
Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation
Definition
The Alapin Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defense that begins with the moves
1. e4 c5 2. c3.
Instead of developing a knight with 2.Nf3, White prepares an immediate d2–d4 to seize a broad pawn center and sidestep the maze of “Open-Sicilian” theory. The line is named after the Russian-Lithuanian master Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), one of the earliest theoreticians to analyze it in depth.
Typical Move Orders
- 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4
Black strikes at the center right away. After 5.Nf3, the game often resembles a French Defense where Black’s light-squared bishop has already emerged. - 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6
A dynamic set-up in which Black provokes the e-pawn advance and then attacks the d4-point. - 2…e6 3.d4 d5 (or 3…cxd4) leading to solid French- or Caro-Kann-style pawn structures.
Strategic Themes
- Central Control: White’s early c-pawn supports d4, aiming for a strong pawn duo on e4/d4.
- Piece Activity vs. Structure: Black often gains rapid piece play (especially with …d5 or …Nf6) but may concede a spatial edge.
- Reduced Theory: Compared with 2.Nf3, the Alapin allows White to avoid razor-sharp Najdorf, Dragon, or Sveshnikov lines while still fighting for an advantage.
- Endgame Prospects: If queens come off early (a common occurrence after 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5), White’s spatial edge can be useful, yet Black’s sound structure keeps the position healthy.
Historical & Modern Significance
Although first analyzed in the 19th century, the variation became truly fashionable in the 1990s, thanks to grandmasters such as Sergey Tiviakov and Evgeny Sveshnikov (ironically a noted Sicilian expert!). Today it is a regular tool for elite players—including Magnus Carlsen—when they want to avoid the heaviest main-line preparation.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Short & instructive line (all main ideas appear):
White grabbed space and traded queens; Black dissolved the center and lags only slightly in development.
Notable Encounters
- Carlsen – Adams, Bilbao Masters 2013: Carlsen used a quiet Alapin line to nurse a small edge into a winning rook endgame—proof that even “anti-Sicilian” systems can squeeze top grandmasters.
- Karpov – Geller, Moscow 1976: The ex-World Champion obtained a lasting spatial plus, illustrating the positional nature of many Alapin middlegames.
Interesting Facts
- Semyon Alapin also lent his name to an opening in the French Defense (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Be3!?) and several other experimental systems.
- Computer engines originally doubted 2.c3, but modern neural-network engines (e.g., Leela) evaluate the line very close to equality for Black—making it a practical choice to avoid preparation rather than a theoretical “refutation” of the Sicilian.
- In bullet and blitz chess the Alapin’s straightforward plans (d4, Bd3, Nf3, 0-0) score exceptionally well because they save time on the clock.
Barmen Defense
Definition
The Barmen Defense arises after the symmetrical moves
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c5 ?!
Black mirrors White’s pawn thrust in the Queen’s Gambit, accepting an isolated-pawn structure or an early queen development after exchanges. The opening is named after the Barmen Chess Tournament of 1905 (in present-day Wuppertal, Germany), where this eccentric setup cropped up in several games.
Typical Continuations
- 3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3 cxd4 5.Nc3 Qa5
Black’s queen roams early; White leads in development. - 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nf6 6.d5
White gains space; Black relies on counterplay against the center. - 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 returning to a Tarrasch-style IQP position.
Strategic Overview
- Risky Symmetry: By copying White, Black gives up the “first-move advantage” without a concrete reason, often leading to slightly inferior structures.
- Early Queen Development: After 3.cxd5 Qxd5, Black’s queen can become a tactical target (Nc3, Nc3-b5, e2-e4).
- Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP): If both sides capture on d5/c5, the resulting IQP position offers White active piece play with less long-term weakness.
- Psychological Weapon: The rarity of the line may knock an unprepared opponent off balance—its chief practical merit.
Historical Note
At Barmen 1905, the opening was employed by several ambitious masters searching for surprise value. Though none won sensational games, the name “Barmen Defense” stuck in pre-World-War-I opening manuals. Today it is largely relegated to club play and the occasional rapid game.
Model Game
An early example: Spielmann – Swiderski, Barmen 1905
White eventually converted his structural edge and development lead into a win.
Assessment
The consensus of modern theory is that the Barmen Defense is dubious but playable. Engines give White roughly a half-pawn advantage after 3.cxd5. Nevertheless, it can be a fun surprise in blitz or as a teaching tool for IQP structures.
Curiosities
- Because 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c5 violates the classical principle of
fighting for the center with pieces rather than pawns once it is occupied
, many manuals feature it under the tongue-in-cheek heading “Why Not To Mirror Your Opponent.” - Grandmaster Baadur Jobava tested the Barmen in online bullet games, relying on tactical chaos to compensate for the slight theoretical minus.
- The ECO code most often assigned is A40 (“Irregular Queen’s Pawn Opening”), grouping it with other off-beat systems like the Englund Gambit.