Sicilian: Alapin, 2...Nf6 - overview
Sicilian: Alapin, 2...Nf6
Definition
The sequence 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 is a branch of the Sicilian Defence known as the Alapin Variation (or c3-Sicilian). After White declines the Open Sicilian with 2. c3, Black immediately strikes at the e4-pawn with the developing move 2...Nf6. This line is recorded in ECO as B22.
How It Is Used in Play
The move 2...Nf6 has three practical aims:
- It attacks the undefended pawn on e4, forcing White to decide how to protect or advance it.
- It develops the g8-knight to its most natural square, preparing quick kingside castling.
- It seeks to bypass the typical Maróczy-style structures that arise after 2...d5 by steering the game toward open piece play.
Strategic Themes
Two critical replies define the character of the position:
- 3. e5 – The most popular choice. White kicks the knight to d5 (less often g8) and grabs space. Typical continuation: 3...Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nf3 Nc6, when Black relies on pressure against e5 and the d4-square for counterplay.
- 3. d4 – White sacrifices a pawn after 3...Nxe4 4. Bd3 (Speelman Gambit), or regains it later with swift development. The game often transposes to lines of the Open Sicilian but with the pawn on c3 instead of c2, giving both sides new nuances.
From Black’s perspective, 2...Nf6 is:
- Less theoretical than the main line 2...d5, so it appeals to players who want to avoid deep computer preparation.
- Flexible—Black can adopt Scheveningen, Classical, or Accelerated Dragon set-ups depending on White’s plan.
- A psychological weapon, because it asks White to choose between entering unusual pawn structures or allowing Black to equalize rapidly.
Historical Significance
The Alapin itself dates back to the late 19th century, named after Russian master Semyon Alapin. The specific 2...Nf6 system began gaining traction in the 1980s, championed by grandmasters such as Ulf Andersson and Nikolaï Legky. Its popularity surged in the 2000s thanks to the emergence of powerful engines, which showed that Black could safely accept an isolated or doubled pawn in return for active piece play.
Illustrative Game
Magnus Carlsen – Alexander Grischuk, Tal Memorial 2017
An instructive example of 3. e5 Nd5 lines where Black
equalised comfortably and later outplayed White in the endgame.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- …d6 break to undermine White’s e5-pawn.
- …Qa5+ double attack on e5 and c3 after an early d4 by White.
- …Nb4 jump targeting d3 and c2 squares if White’s dark-squared bishop lands on d3.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 2...Nf6 immediately asks a question, many Alapin specialists keep a second weapon (often 2. Nf3 followed by 3. c3) to avoid it.
- The line is a favourite of correspondence players: engines confirm its soundness, yet fresh positions arise where human planning still matters.
- Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin used 2...Nf6 as a surprise in rapid chess, scoring 80% with Black from 2018-2021 .
Practical Tips
- For White: If you intend 3. e5, know the typical pawn lever f4-f5 to maintain the space advantage; after 3. d4 be ready to give up e4 temporarily.
- For Black: Memorise the critical move order 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4! 5. Nf3 Nc6!, avoiding 5...dxc3? which gives White an easy development edge.
Further Study
Explore model games by Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, both of whom successfully adopted 2...Nf6 in elite tournaments. For a modern theoretical survey, see the B22 chapter in the 2023 edition of the Chess Informant Encyclopaedia of Openings.