Sicilian: Alapin, 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3
Sicilian: Alapin, 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3
Definition
The line begins with the moves
1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nf3.
It is a branch of the Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defence in which White avoids the massive theory of 2.Nf3 and 3.d4 by first erecting a broad pawn centre with 2.c3. Black’s immediate 2…Nf6 attacks the e-pawn, forcing White to advance it to e5. After the knight reroutes to d5, Black breaks in the centre with …cxd4, creating an open position with imbalanced pawn structures and rich strategic play.
Move Order and Early Position
- 1.e4 c5 – the Sicilian Defence.
- 2.c3 – the Alapin (or c3-Sicilian). White prepares d4 under more favourable circumstances.
- 2…Nf6 – Black immediately hits the e-pawn, steering play away from the calmer 2…d5 lines.
- 3.e5 Nd5 – the knight is chased but lands on a strong central square.
- 4.d4 cxd4 – tension is released; Black eliminates one central pawn but opens lines.
- 5.Nf3 – White develops and targets d4 while eyeing g5 and e5 squares.
The critical tabiya after 5.Nf3 often continues 5…Nc6 6.Bc4 Nb6 7.Bb3 d5, though many subtleties remain.
Strategic Themes
- Pawn Structure: White usually retains an e-pawn on e5 and c-pawn on c3, aiming for cxd4 or c4 later, while Black has a half-open c-file and potential central pawn majority after …d6 or …d5.
- Piece Play:
• White’s light-squared bishop often comes to c4 or d3 to bear on h7.
• Black’s knights (d5 and b8) can dance to b6, d5, c7, or f4 depending on circumstances. - Central Breaks: Both sides fight for the thematic pawn breaks—White for c4 or Nxd4, Black for …d6 or …d5.
- King Safety: Castling kingside is typical for both players, but Black must watch e- and f-file attacks; White must respect …Qg5 ideas against g2.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Exchange on d4 (cxd4 or Nxd4) and seize space with Nc3, Bc4, 0-0, Re1.
- Pressure the d5-knight or provoke …e6 to weaken d6.
- In many lines, sacrifice a pawn with c4 to accelerate development and open lines.
- For Black
- Hit the centre with …d6 or immediate …d5, undermining e5.
- Activate the light-squared bishop via …g6 and …Bg7, or …e6 and …Be7.
- Use the half-open c-file for rook pressure after …Rc8.
Historical Perspective
The 2…Nf6 system gained traction in the 1980s thanks to specialists like Efim Sveshnikov (more famous for another Sicilian line!) and Sergey Tiviakov. Modern engines confirm its soundness, and it features regularly in elite play as a practical weapon against the once-fashionable 2.c3 system.
Illustrative Games
Below are two concise PGN snippets showing the main ideas:
Comment: After 7…d5!, Black immediately challenges the centre; if 8.cxd4 (critical) 8…Bf5! 9.Nc3 e6, Black develops smoothly and equalises.
Giri – Caruana, Wijk aan Zee 2016
Giri demonstrated the aggressive 9.cxd4 and pawn sacrifice on d5, seizing the initiative despite eventual equality.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Sergey Tiviakov has scored over 70% with White in the Alapin but often avoids 3.e5; when he does play it, opponents brace for deep home preparation.
- The line fits well with online rapid/blitz: forcing and concrete, yet containing hidden traps—perfect for surprising theoretical opponents.
- Engines once assessed the position after 5.Nf3 as slightly better for Black, but modern neural-network engines (Lc0, NNUE) tend to give a roughly balanced evaluation, reflecting the dynamic equality.
Quick Reference
- ECO Code: B22
- Primary Tabiya: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bc4 Nb6 7.Bb3 d5
- Typical Result Distribution (Master Level)
[[Chart|Rating|Classical|2000-2023]]
Summary
The Sicilian Alapin line with 2…Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 is a dynamic, strategically double-edged system. White enjoys space and attacking chances on the kingside, while Black strikes at the centre and exploits the half-open c-file. Its blend of concrete tactics and long-term plans keeps it evergreen in tournament praxis.