Sicilian: Alapin, Qxd5 Main Line
Sicilian: Alapin, 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3
Definition and Move Order
The line arises from the Sicilian Defence after the following moves:
1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3
• Alapin Variation (2.c3) – White avoids the vast main-line theory of the Open Sicilian (2.Nf3 followed by d4) and prepares an immediate d4 to build a strong pawn center.
• 2…d5 – Black’s most combative reply, striking in the center before White can consolidate.
• The specific continuation 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 is sometimes called the “Qxd5 Main Line” of the Alapin.
Typical Position After 5.Nf3
Material is equal; queens are still on the board, and the pawn structure is almost symmetrical except that Black’s c-pawn is still on c5 while White has a pawn on c3. The key imbalances are:
- White has a broad pawn center (c3 & d4) and slightly freer development.
- Black possesses the semi-open d-file and pressure on d4, plus the active queen on d5.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Push d4-d5 to gain space and restrict Black’s pieces.
- Rapid development with Be2, 0-0, and sometimes Na3–c2 or Bd3 to attack the queen on d5.
- Prepare the pawn break c3-c4, challenging the queen and seizing queenside space.
- For Black
- Undermine the d4 pawn by …Nc6, …Bg4, and …e6.
- Utilise the d-file pressure and the c-pawn to create queenside counterplay (…cxd4 or …c4).
- Consider an early …e5 to fix the center and exploit the queen’s central post.
Historical Background
The Alapin (named after Russian master Semyon Alapin, 1856–1923) has long served as a practical anti-Sicilian weapon. The 2…d5 line became popular in the 1980s when players such as Anatoly Karpov and Lev Psakhis used it to neutralize sharp theoretical attempts by White. In the computer era, engines show that Black’s immediate central strike is fully sound, making this one of the most trusted equalizing methods.
Plans and Typical Middlegames
- Minor-piece pressure – Black often holds the queen in the center for several moves, so White tries Qb3 or Be2 to gain tempi.
- Pawn breaks – White: d4-d5 or c3-c4; Black: …e5 or …cxd4 followed by …e5.
- Endgame drift – If queens are exchanged early (e.g., 6.dxc5 Qxd1+ 7.Kxd1), White’s compact structure can give a small pull, but Black’s activity usually equalizes.
Illustrative Games
- Karpov vs Yusupov, Linares 1992 – Karpov calmly pressured the d-file weakness and converted a small edge in the endgame.
- Short vs Kasparov, Candidates 1993 (rapid) – Kasparov equalized effortlessly with precise …Nc6 and …Bg4, showcasing Black’s dynamic resources.
Interesting Facts
- The Alapin is one of the few anti-Sicilian systems regularly employed at world-championship level (Carlsen, Anand, Nepomniachtchi).
- Because 2…d5 exchanges a central pawn pair quickly, engines rate the resulting positions close to 0.00—yet many club players dislike the queen on d5 and prefer quieter setups, giving practical chances for both sides.
- Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov (famous for the Sveshnikov Sicilian) also specialized in the 2…d5 Alapin as Black, proving his versatility on both sides of the Sicilian.
When to Choose This Line
• As White: if you want a solid, strategic battle avoiding razor-sharp Najdorf or Dragon theory.
• As Black: if you prefer immediate central counterplay and are comfortable with early queen activity.