Sicilian Alapin: 2...Nf6, 5.cxd4 e6 6.Nf3 Nc6

Sicilian Defence: Alapin Variation

Definition

The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. White declines the open Sicilian with 2. Nf3 and instead prepares the central advance d2–d4 under more favorable circumstances. The line is named after the Russian theoretician Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), who championed the idea.

How It Is Used

• Anti-Sicilian Weapon: Many 1. e4 players adopt the Alapin to avoid the heavy theoretical workload of the Najdorf, Dragon, and related main lines.
• Flexible Pawn Center: After 3. d4 cxd4 4. cxd4, White obtains an isolated pawn structure or a Caro-Kann–like set-up, often leading to positional battles rather than razor-sharp tactics.
• Psychological Value: Because Black has several playable replies (2…Nf6, 2…d5, 2…e6), choosing the Alapin can steer the game into less familiar territory for a Sicilian specialist.

Strategic Significance

The Alapin is respected at all levels—world champions Kasparov, Carlsen, and Karpov have all faced it. Typical strategic themes include:

1. Control of d4: Both sides fight over this square. If White manages to maintain a strong pawn on d4, Black’s light-squared bishop can be hemmed in.
2. IQP Positions: After …cxd4 and cxd4, White often gets an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) on d4 that brings dynamic chances for both players.
3. French-Caro Hybrid: Black setups with …e6 and …d5 mirror the French and Caro-Kann structures, giving Black solid but slightly passive play.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Historical Notes

Alapin’s original analysis was initially dismissed as harmless, but in the late 20^th century grandmasters such as Evgeny Sveshnikov and Sergei Tiviakov revitalized it, demonstrating its soundness against elite opposition.

Trivia & Anecdotes

• Garry Kasparov used the Alapin (as Black!) in a blindfold simul—he announced his opponent’s second move “c-three” before it was played, joking that he had anticipated an anti-Najdorf attempt.
• The variation is sometimes called the “c3-Sicilian,” a term favored by online blitz players for its simplicity.

2…Nf6 in the Alapin

Definition

After 1. e4 c5 2. c3, the move 2…Nf6 is Black’s most combative reply. Instead of challenging the center immediately with …d5, Black attacks the e4-pawn, provoking 3. e5 and aiming to exploit the resulting structural weaknesses.

Purpose and Typical Continuations

• Immediate Pressure: …Nf6 obliges White to advance the e-pawn or defend it, forcing early commitments.
• Piece Activity: Black’s knight often lands on d5 after 3. e5 Nd5, eyeing c7-c6 breaks and pressuring f4.
• Transpositional Options:
  • 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nf3 Nc6 leads to rich IQP play.
  • 3. d3 d5 takes us into French Defence territory.

Strategic and Historical Importance

The 2…Nf6 line gained popularity after Anatoly Karpov used it successfully in the 1970s. Modern engines confirm its soundness, and it is a staple in the repertoires of players like Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Example Position

Position after 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5:

Common Plans

1. Black strikes with …d6, …g6, and …Bg7, obtaining a Dragon-style set-up without committing the d-pawn to d5.
2. White may play Nf3, Bc4, and castling long, banking on a space advantage in the center.

Anecdote

During the 2018 Candidates Tournament, Caruana prepared a novelty on move 11 in the 2…Nf6 Alapin line, but his opponent chose a different opening. Caruana revealed the idea only months later in a ChessBase interview, showing that even a “sideline” can be the focus of deep preparation.

5.cxd4 e6 6.Nf3 Nc6 in the 2…Nf6 Alapin

Definition

This move-order appears after 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. cxd4 e6 6. Nf3 Nc6. Black reinforces the d5-knight, prepares …d6 or …d5, and keeps a flexible pawn structure.

Strategic Ideas

• Solid Center: Black’s e6-pawn covers d5 and blunts White’s light-squared bishop.
• Development Race: Both sides often castle kingside, but White may consider long castling and a kingside pawn storm if Black delays …d6.
• Minor-Piece Battles: White will usually play Nc3, Bd3, and 0-0, looking for d4-d5 breaks, while Black aims for …d6, …Be7, and, at the right moment, …dxe5 or …d5.

Typical Continuation

Historical Examples

• Caruana – Vachier-Lagrave, Saint Louis Blitz 2019: MVL equalized comfortably with this line and later converted in a bishop endgame.
• Short – Kasparov, Rapid Match 1995: Short employed an aggressive g2-g4 thrust, demonstrating that White still retains attacking chances despite Black’s solid setup.

Practical Tips

1. For White:
   • Try to keep the d4-pawn advanced; if it becomes isolated, ensure piece activity to compensate.
   • The plan Bc4-b3, Qe2, Rd1, and d4-d5 is a thematic way to seize space.
2. For Black:
   • Do not rush …d5; preparing it with …d6 and …Be7 avoids tactical oversights on d5 and e6.
   • If White castles long, break in the center immediately with …d5 or …f6.

Trivia

Despite appearing “quiet,” the position after 6…Nc6 allows Black to transpose into a Scheveningen-style setup—a favorite of Garry Kasparov—without having committed to …a6, thereby saving a tempo for later flexibility.