Sicilian Alapin: 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 e6 5.Nf3
Sicilian: Alapin, 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 e6 5.Nf3
Definition
The line begins with the moves 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 e6 5.Nf3. It is a branch of the Alapin Variation (2.c3) of the Sicilian Defence. After Black’s immediate central break 2…d5, White captures once on d5, forcing the queen to recapture. The ensuing structure resembles a French-like pawn chain (d4–e4 vs. …e6–…d5) but with both c-pawns already exchanged and the black queen slightly exposed on d5 before it retreats. The line is sometimes catalogued under ECO code B22.
Typical Move Order
- 1.e4 c5 — the Sicilian Defence.
- 2.c3 — Alapin Variation, aiming to build a broad pawn centre with d4.
- 2…d5 — Black challenges the centre immediately.
- 3.exd5 Qxd5 — material is even, but Black’s queen is centralized early.
- 4.d4 e6 — White seizes space; Black constructs a solid French-type set-up.
- 5.Nf3 — natural development, eyeing the exposed queen and controlling d4–e5 squares.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Exploit the queen’s temporary exposure to gain tempi with Nc3 or Bd3.
- Maintain a strong pawn duo on e4-d4; often aim for dxc5 or d5 breaks.
- Piece placement: Bd3, 0-0, Re1, Nd2-f1-g3 resembles the French Tarrasch set-up.
- For Black
- Solid structure: …Nf6, …Nc6, …Be7/…Bd6, castle kingside.
- Target White’s d4 pawn after the queen safely retreats to d8 or c7.
- Breaks with …cxd4 (if supported), …e5, or minority attack with …b6–…Bb7.
Typical Plans & Tactical Motifs
- Queen harassment with Nc3 and Bb5+, forcing the queen to move yet again.
- If Black is careless, the thematic Bb5+ pin can lead to double pawn weaknesses after …Bd7.
- White often prepares e4–e5 to cramp Black and exchange dark-squared bishops.
- The open c-file can become a battlefield for rooks once pawns are exchanged.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
The 2…d5 Alapin dates back to the early 20th century, but gained modern popularity through the analytical work of players such as Sergei Tiviakov and Evgeny Sveshnikov, who both sought reliable antidotes to anti-Sicilian systems. Today it is employed by top grandmasters including Magnus Carlsen, Wesley So, and Fabiano Caruana when they wish to avoid the minefields of the Open Sicilian yet keep winning chances.
Illustrative Miniature
A short example that shows White’s chances for a quick initiative:
After 19.Qxd5 White has won a pawn and drives the initiative, illustrating how the early queen excursion can become a long-term target.
Famous Games
- Carlsen – So, Wijk aan Zee 2015 – Carlsen used 5.Nf3 followed by Bd3 and an early dxc5 to squeeze a small edge.
- Tiviakov – Smeets, Dutch Ch. 2007 – Demonstrated Black’s dynamic …g5!? pawn storm after castling opposite sides.
- Short – Adams, London 1993 – A model positional grind where White fixed the d5 square and won a superior minor-piece ending.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The Alapin is named after Russian master Semyon Alapin, who experimented with various anti-Sicilian ideas in the 1890s.
- Grandmaster Sergei Tiviakov holds one of the highest lifetime scores with the line, claiming in an interview, “I don’t just equalize against 2.c3—I play for the win.”
- Computer engines originally disliked 2…d5 because of the early queen trot, but modern NN engines show it scores very well for Black.
- The structure often transposes into a French Exchange with colors reversed and a tempo extra for White—yet paradoxically Black seems perfectly fine.
Practical Tips
- White players: consider 6.Be3 or 6.Bd3 depending on whether you want slow buildup or quick central tension with dxc5.
- Black players: do not delay …Nf6; it hits e4 and prepares …Be7 or …Bb4+ to force White’s hand.
- Remember to retreat the queen (…Qd8 or …Qd6) before committing the light-squared bishop, or tactical shots with Nb5 can appear.