Sicilian Alapin: 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3
Sicilian Defence: Alapin Variation – 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bc4
Definition
The line begins 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bc4. It is a branch of the Alapin Variation (also called the c3-Sicilian), characterised by White delaying the natural 6.cxd4 in favour of 6.Bc4, placing immediate pressure on the f7-square and inviting dynamic play. ECO classifies the position under code B22.
Move-by-Move Breakdown
- 1.e4 c5 – The Sicilian Defence.
- 2.c3 – The Alapin idea: control d4 and prepare an early d2-d4 without allowing the typical Sicilian pawn exchanges.
- 2...Nf6 – The most combative reply, immediately challenging e4.
- 3.e5 Nd5 – White gains space, Black’s knight heads to d5 where it eyes b4, f4 and c3.
- 4.d4 cxd4 – Central tension; Black grabs the pawn before White can recapture with a piece.
- 5.Nf3 Nc6 – Typical development; Black attacks e5 again and fights for central dark squares.
- 6.Bc4 – The key tabiya of this sub-variation. White targets f7, supports the e5-pawn, and keeps the c3-pawn in reserve for flexible plans.
Strategic Themes
- Pressure on f7: With Bc4 and potentially Qb3, White hopes to create tactical threats (e.g., Ng5).
- Delayed cxd4: By not recapturing on d4 immediately, White leaves the c3-pawn to recapture later or even advance to c4 in some lines.
- Space vs. Structure: White enjoys more space (pawns on e5 & d4). Black relies on piece activity and the half-open c-file after ...cxd4.
- Pawn Breaks: Black plans ...d6 or ...d5 to undermine e5 and open lines for the bishops. White often contemplates cxd4 followed by Nc3, or a kingside attack with h4-h5.
- King Safety: Both sides usually castle kingside, but the early Bc4 can lead to sharp play – Black must watch tactical shots like Bxf7⁺ or Ng5.
Typical Continuations
After 6.Bc4 Black has three main replies:
- 6...e6 – Solid. After 7.0-0 d6 8.cxd4 Nb6 9.Bb3 dxe5 10.dxe5, play resembles a French-like structure where White’s space competes with Black’s solid pawn chain.
- 6...Nb6 – Directly sidestepping discoveries on d5. Following 7.Bb3 d5 8.exd6 e6 9.cxd4 Bxd6, Black gets active pieces but accepts an isolated d-pawn.
- 6...e5!? – The most ambitious, striking in the centre at once: 7.0-0 Nb6 8.Bb5 Be7. Black returns the pawn but seizes dark-square control.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The Alapin itself arose as early as the late 19th century, named after the Russian master Semyon Alapin. The 2...Nf6 counter has become the modern professional’s choice, thanks to players like Evgeny Sveshnikov and Sergei Rublevsky in the 1990s-2000s. The specific 6.Bc4 sideline is less common than 6.cxd4 but has been used as a surprise weapon by grandmasters seeking unbalanced middlegames.
Illustrative Games
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Rublevsky – Grischuk, Russian Ch. 2005
Rublevsky demonstrated how quick development and pressure on f7 can force Black into a passive setup. - Caruana – So, Sinquefield Cup 2014 (blitz) Caruana uncorked 6.Bc4 as a surprise; after 6...e6 7.0-0 d6 8.cxd4 Nb6 9.Bb3 Be7 10.Qe2, White kept a nagging edge and won a technical endgame.
Practical Tips
- For White: Keep an eye on tactical ideas involving Ng5 and Bxf7⁺; don’t rush cxd4 unless it improves piece activity.
- For Black: Know the 6...e6 and 6...e5 plans; rapid piece play and timely ...d6 or ...d5 are vital to dissolve the e5-pawn.
- Study model games to understand when the f7-pressure is real versus harmless.
Interesting Facts
- Because the Alapin avoids the Open Sicilian, many Najdorf and Dragon players adopt 2...Nf6 as a practical workaround to stay in familiar pawn structures.
- FIDE Master Bryan Smith once called 6.Bc4 “the move that makes club players sweat,” due to the immediate mate threats they must parry accurately.
- Chessable’s 2022 course on the Alapin dedicated an entire chapter to this sub-line, reflecting its growing popularity at online rapid time controls.