Sicilian: Alapin, 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bg4
Sicilian: Alapin, 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bg4
Definition
The phrase “Sicilian: Alapin, 2…d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bg4” describes a concrete branch of the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defence, arising after the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bg4
In ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) codes this line is generally filed under B22. It is one of Black’s most popular and theoretically sound replies to the Alapin, immediately challenging White’s central setup and attempting to solve the “bad-light-squared-bishop” problem with 5…Bg4.
Move Order & Key Position
The critical position is reached after 5…Bg4:
- White pieces: King on e1; Queen on d1; Rooks a1/h1; Knights b1/f3; Bishops c1/f1; Pawns a2,b2,c3,d4,e4,f2,g2,h2.
- Black pieces: King on e8; Queen on d5; Rooks a8/h8; Knights g8/c6; Bishops c8/g4; Pawns a7,b7,c5,d7,e7,f7,g7,h7.
Strategic Ideas
5…Bg4 introduces a pin on the knight and distracts White from rapid queenside development. Major themes include:
- Early Central Resolution: By playing 2…d5 and recapturing with the queen, Black forces an open centre, reducing the typical Alapin plan of d4–d5 space-gain.
- Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure: White keeps a healthy pawn chain (c3–d4–e4) but needs time to complete development. Black’s queen on d5 is active yet exposed; the concept behind 5…Bg4 is to anchor the queen’s position and discourage Nc3.
- Light-Squared Bishop Freedom: In many Sicilians this bishop languishes behind the e-pawn. Here it emerges aggressively, sometimes exchanging on f3 to damage White’s kingside structure.
- Typical Breaks: Black may later strike with …e6 and …cxd4, while White looks for d4-d5 or an eventual c3-c4 undermining.
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White
- Play Be2 or Bd3 to unpin the knight, then castle short.
- Push d4-d5 when tactically feasible, sealing the bishop on g7/c8 and grabbing space.
- Mobilise queenside pawns with Na3–c2–e3–Qe2, preparing for c3-c4.
- Black
- Exchange on f3 to double White’s g-pawns, creating attacking chances after …0-0-0.
- Maintain an active queen; sometimes retreating to d7 or h5 after White’s Nc3.
- Break with …e6 followed by …0-0 and …Rd8, putting pressure on d4.
Historical & Notable Games
- Carlsen – Anand, World Blitz 2019: Anand employed the 5…Bg4 line to neutralise Carlsen’s initiative; the game ended in a draw after dynamic but balanced play.
- Garry Kasparov vs. Levon Aronian, Saint Louis Rapid 2017: Kasparov showed an instructive pawn sacrifice (6.Be2 O-O-O 7.Be3) leading to active piece play, though the game eventually fizzled to equality.
- Daniil Dubov – Sergey Karjakin, Russian Ch. 2020: Dubov’s novelty 6.Be2 O-O-O 7.h3! created long-term tension; Black’s doubled f-pawns proved weaker than expected and White won an endgame.
Theoretical Status
Modern engines rate the position after 5…Bg4 as roughly equal (≈0.10 to 0.20 for White). The line remains popular at every level because:
- Black avoids heavy theory of Open Sicilians while still fighting for the initiative.
- White keeps strategic flexibility; a single inaccuracy by Black can revive the d4-d5 thrust.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the queen lands on d5 so early, beginners often fear “tempo-gaining” attacks. Yet statistics show the queen is rarely trapped; she usually finds safety on d7, h5, or d5 itself.
- 5…Bg4 was popularised by Sergey Tiviakov in the 1990s, who scored 70% with Black over dozens of classical games, inspiring its current theoretical standing.
- In online bullet, grandmasters occasionally blitz out 6.Be2 O-O-O 7.Na3!? – this “Dubov Gambit” is objectively dubious, but practical because of the sudden tactical shots around c4 and Nb5.
Sample Continuation
After 12…O-O both sides have completed development: White enjoys the d4 outpost; Black keeps harmonious pieces and an unbalanced structure, leading to rich middlegame play.