Sicilian: Alapin, 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3
Sicilian Defence: Alapin, 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3
Definition
The position reached after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 is a principal branch of the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defence. White eschews the Open Sicilian in favour of an early 2.c3, while Black replies with the ambitious central counter-strike 2…d5. After the temporary pawn sacrifice and queen recapture on d5, a rich, semi-open middlegame arises in which both sides vie to exploit the central tension around the pawns on d4 and c3.
Typical Move Order & Key Position
The basic tabiya is shown in the PGN viewer below. Black’s queen has already ventured out to d5, White enjoys a broad pawn centre, and both sides are just beginning development:
Strategic Themes
- White’s aims
- Maintain the strong central pawn duo (d4 & e4) supported by c3.
- Rapid development with ♗e2/♗d3, 0-0, and often ♖e1 to support an eventual e4-e5 break.
- Exploit the slight awkwardness of Black’s queen, gaining tempi with ♘c3 or ♗e3.
- Transition to an IQP structure only on favourable terms.
- Black’s aims
- Challenge White’s centre quickly with …cxd4 or …e5, or target the pawn on d4 with …♗g4 and …♘f6.
- Exploit open lines for the queen while avoiding loss of time.
- Pressure the c3-pawn, which can become backward once the centre clarifies.
- Sometimes transpose into Caro-Kann–style structures with colours reversed.
Main Continuations after 5.Nf3
- 5…♗g4 – The most combative choice, pinning the knight and piling up on d4.
- 5…e6 6.♗e3 – Leads to calmer play; Black will often reroute the queen with …♕d8 or …♕h5.
- 5…♘f6 6.dxc5 – An alternative where White grabs a pawn but concedes quick development to Black.
- 5…cxd4 6.cxd4 – Creates an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) structure that offers dynamic chances to both sides.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
• The Alapin System (2.c3) was championed in the late 19th century by Russian theoretician Semyon Alapin, who sought to avoid the labyrinth of main-line Sicilians.
• The 2…d5 counter immediately challenges White’s concept and was analysed deeply by world champions such as Capablanca and Karpov.
• Modern engines show that both sides have full play; the line remains popular from club level to elite blitz events.
• Because the structure can echo a reversed Panov-Botvinnik, Caro-Kann players often feel at home playing Black.
Illustrative Games
- Capablanca – Marshall, Havana 1913 – Capablanca calmly exploited the early queen excursion, highlighting the strategic dangers for Black when development lags.
- Short – Kasparov, Manila (Blitz) 1992 – Kasparov’s dynamic 5…♗g4 setup showed how swiftly Black can activate pieces and seize the initiative.
- Caruana – Carlsen, Norway Chess 2019 – A modern example illustrating the …cxd4 IQP plan; the game fizzled to a draw after precise defence from both sides.
Common Tactical Motifs
- Queen Traps: After premature …♕e4+, White can gain time with ♗e2 and ♘bd2, forcing the queen back.
- d4-d5 Breakthroughs: When Black delays …♘f6, White can sometimes steamroll the centre.
- Discovery on the d-file: If material on d4/d5 is exchanged, the opened file often yields forks or pins.
Interesting Facts
- Grandmaster Sergei Tiviakov has built an entire repertoire around the Alapin, scoring over 70 % with it across all time controls.
- Because the moves mimic the Scandinavian Defence (1.e4 d5) but with colours reversed, some commentators nickname the position the “Anti-Scandinavian Sicilian.”
- The line is a favourite in correspondence chess, where precise engine-backed preparation often leads to razor-sharp forcing sequences beginning as early as move six.
Practical Tips
- For White: Do not rush ♘c3 while the queen sits on d5; first secure the centre with ♗e3 or ♗d3 to avoid …cxd4 leading to doubled pawns.
- For Black: Decide early whether the queen will remain active (…♕e4+) or retire to d8/e6 to avoid tempo-gaining attacks.
- Both sides should know a few forcing sub-variations; the theory is narrower than in the Open Sicilian but still concrete.
Summary
The line 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 furnishes both players with clear plans and tactical chances while sidestepping the heaviest Sicilian theory. Its hybrid of positional and dynamic elements keeps it perennially relevant, making it a valuable weapon for tournament players who wish to challenge the Sicilian on their own terms.