Sicilian: Alapin, 2...Nf6, 5.Bc4

Sicilian: Alapin

Definition

The Alapin Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. Named after the Russian analyst Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), it sidesteps the vast “Open Sicilian” theory (2. Nf3 and 3. d4) by preparing to build a classical pawn center with d2-d4 under more favorable circumstances.

How It Is Used

Move-order strategy – By delaying Nf3, White keeps the d-pawn mobile, preventing Black from entering many of the main Najdorf, Dragon, or Sveshnikov tabiyas.
Typical plan – White plays d4, recaptures with a pawn (cxd4) to obtain the broad e4-d4 center, then develops with Nc3, Nf3, Be3/Bd3 and often queenside castling.
Black’s reactions – The three most popular replies are
1. 2…d5 – an immediate central strike.
2. 2…Nf6 – attacks e4 and is the focus of the next entry.
3. 2…e6 – aiming for …d5 under French-like circumstances.

Strategic Significance

The variation gives White a solid yet flexible structure. Black, on the other hand, is denied his customary pawn majority on the d-file and must decide whether to fight for …d5 or steer the game into quieter waters. The setups often resemble the French Advance or the Caro-Kann, but with the Sicilian pawn still on c5, granting Black queenside counterplay.

Historical Notes

Although Alapin himself proposed 2.c3 as early as 1893, the line spent decades on the fringe. It re-emerged in the 1980s thanks to specialists such as Evgeny Sveshnikov, Sergey Tiviakov, Vassily Ivanchuk, and Evgeny Bareev. Carlsen, Caruana and Nepomniachtchi have all used it as a surprise weapon in elite events.

Example Game

A model strategic win for White:
(Short – Timman, Tilburg 1991). White’s harmonious piece placement and central pawn duo eventually overran the queenside.

Interesting Facts

Because the c-pawn stays on c2 for a time, the line is a favorite among correspondence and engine players who value the extra structural flexibility.
The ECO codes for the Alapin are B22-B23, making it one of the smallest yet most theory-dense chapters in the Sicilian.
When Garry Kasparov prepared for his 1995 World Championship match versus Vishy Anand, he devoted an entire training camp to meeting surprise Alapin attempts.

2…Nf6 (in the Alapin)

Definition

After 1. e4 c5 2. c3, Black’s move 2…Nf6 immediately attacks the e4-pawn and forces White to decide whether to advance it to e5. The line is often catalogued as the “2…Nf6 Variation” or ECO B22-B23 sub-line.

Purpose and Usage

Provocation – If White plays 3.e5, the knight jumps to d5, occupying the square that White hoped to claim with a pawn.
Development – The knight goes to f6 quickly, clearing g8 for castling and exerting pressure on central light squares.
Transpositions – Depending on later pawn structures, the game can resemble the Advance French, Caro-Kann, or even a reversed Albin Counter-Gambit if Black plays …d6 & …dxe5.

Strategic Themes

Space vs. Targets – White gains space with e5 but creates immediate targets on d4 and e5.
Central Breaks – Black prepares …d6 (or …d5) followed by …Nc6 to undermine White’s wedge.
Minor-piece battles – The e5-pawn cramps Black’s king knight, so Black often reroutes via b6 or c7 with the queenside knight and aims for …f6 to challenge the spearhead.

Historical & Practical Significance

Although 2…d5 has long been considered the “main move,” 2…Nf6 grew in popularity after players such as Artur Yusupov and Sergey Tiviakov demonstrated its solidity in the late 1980s. In computer databases after 2020, it rivals 2…d5 in master-level practice.

Typical Continuation

1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 – We now reach the position where White chooses between 5.Nf3, 5.Qxd4, or the bold 5.Bc4 (see next entry).

Famous Illustration

Karpov – Yusupov, USSR Ch. 1987, continued
and Karpov’s space-gaining approach yielded him a lasting initiative.

Curiosities

When engines first crossed the 3000-Elo barrier, many databases showed 2…Nf6 scoring higher than 2…d5, prompting a mini-boom of interest among professionals.
The line often produces an early queen exchange, making it attractive to players who enjoy technical endings rather than sharp tactical melees.

5.Bc4 (in the 2…Nf6 Alapin)

Definition

5.Bc4 is an aggressive fifth-move alternative for White after the sequence 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4. Instead of the quieter 5.Nf3, White places the bishop on c4, simultaneously eyeing Black’s vulnerable f7-square and the knight on d5.

Strategic Aims

Tempo play – The bishop hits the knight on d5, forcing Black to spend a tempo (…e6, …Nb6, or …e5) while White accelerates development.
Central Tension – White often follows with Qxd4, Nf3, and 0-0-0, building a lead in activity before Black can complete kingside safety.
King-side threats – Latent possibilities of Bxf7+ or Ng5 can appear if Black mishandles the defense.

Critical Black Replies

5…e6 – The main line. After 6.Qxd4 Nc6 7.Qe4 d6, Black relies on a solid pawn chain and swift piece development.
5…Nb6 – Retreating the knight keeps the a7-g1 diagonal open but cedes central influence.
5…Qc7 or 5…Qa5 – Counter-attacking moves that provoke White’s queen before deciding on …e6.

Illustrative Mini-Attack

One of the sharpest traps arises after 5…e6 6.Qxd4 Nc6 7.Qe4. If Black plays the natural 7…d6?, then 8.Bxd5 exd5 9.Qxd5 wins a pawn with a huge initiative, as demonstrated in Szabo – Barcza, Budapest 1948.

Example Line

– A present-day engine main line showing the razor-thin evaluation margins.

Historical Tidbits

Grandmaster Gata Kamsky adopted 5.Bc4 during his 2013 Candidates run, surprising several opponents who expected the more popular 5.Nf3.
The move was once considered “dubious” by mid-century analysts, but modern computers show that Black must be precise, not that the move is unsound.

Practical Advice

If you play this line as White, be prepared for forcing tactics and learn the critical pawn-grab line after 5…e6 6.Qxd4. As Black, remember the prophylactic idea 7…d6! only after ensuring the e5-pawn is not loose; otherwise, postpone …d6 in favor of …d5 or …Nb6.