Sicilian Alapin: 2...Nf6, 5.cxd4 e6

Sicilian: Alapin (1.e4 c5 2.c3)

Definition

The Alapin Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defence that begins with the moves 1.e4 c5 2.c3. By immediately supporting the advance d4, White sidesteps the razor-sharp “Open Sicilian” (2.Nf3 d6/…Nc6) and aims for a solid, but still ambitious, central structure.

How it is Used

Central Control: After 2.c3, White plays d2–d4 on the next move, striving for a broad pawn centre without allowing Black to exchange on d4 in true Open-Sicilian style.
Choice of Systems: Black’s two most critical replies are 2…d5 (the immediate challenge) and 2…Nf6 (attacking e4 and steering into the main line discussed below). Players can therefore tailor their repertoire by preparing against just these structures.
Transpositional Power: Positions can resemble the French, Caro-Kann, or even the Panov-Botvinnik IQP, depending on how the game unfolds.

Strategic & Historical Significance

Named after the Russian theoretician Semyon Alapin (1856-1923), the line was long considered an “anti-Sicilian sideline.” In the computer era, however, its solid foundations and limited theory have made it a favourite surprise weapon even at elite level. Alexander Morozevich, Peter Svidler, Levon Aronian, Hikaru Nakamura, and Magnus Carlsen have all scored notable wins with it.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The basic plan is visible in the following short fragment:

After move 8, White has built the desired pawn duo on e5 and d4, while Black prepares …d6 and …dxe5 or …d5 to undermine it.

Interesting Facts

In the 2016 World Rapid Championship, Carlsen used the Alapin to beat Anton Korobov in just 26 moves.
The line’s reputation has oscillated: Fischer dismissed it as “harmless,” yet modern engines often give White a microscopic edge.

2…Nf6 in the Alapin (1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6)

Definition

2…Nf6 is Black’s second-move knight jump that immediately attacks the pawn on e4. It is the most popular reply to 2.c3 alongside 2…d5.

Typical Continuation

1.e4 c5
2.c3 Nf6
3.e5 Nd5 – the only square; capturing on f6 would ruin Black’s structure
4.d4 cxd4
5.cxd4 e6 (see next section)

Strategic Ideas

Immediate Challenge: Forcing 3.e5 gains space for White but drives the knight to d5, where it eyes c3 and b4.
French-Like Structure: After …e6, Black develops the light-squared bishop via …b6/…Bb7 or …Be7 and targets the d4-pawn with …d6 and …dxe5.
Smooth Development: Black avoids the theory-heavy gambits that follow 2…d5 while maintaining flexibility.

Historical & Practical Value

The 2…Nf6 line was popularised in the 1990s by Vladimir Kramnik and Evgeny Bareev. Today it is the engine-approved main line and a cornerstone of many top grandmasters’ anti-Alapin repertoire.

Example Game

Vachier-Lagrave – Nepomniachtchi, Wijk aan Zee 2016, followed the main path: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.cxd4 e6 6.Nf3 d6 7.Bc4 Nb6 8.Bd3 Nc6 and eventually ended in a dynamic draw after 38 moves.

5.cxd4 e6 (Main Line Pawn Structure)

Definition

The move pair 5.cxd4 e6 marks the critical position of the 2…Nf6 Alapin. White recaptures on d4 with the c-pawn, creating a broad pawn centre (pawns on e5 and d4), while Black replies with …e6 to challenge the light squares and prepare …d6 or …Bb4+. The full move-order is:

1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.cxd4 e6

Resulting Pawn Structure

White: Pawns on e5 and d4 form a space-gaining wedge. The d4-pawn can become isolated if Black later plays …d6 and …dxe5.
Black: Pawns on c5, e6, and d6 (after …d6) resemble the French Defence, but with the c-file already half-open for counterplay.

Strategic Themes

Minor-Piece Placement: White usually develops with Nf3, Nc3, Bc4/Bd3, and seeks a kingside initiative. Black chooses between …Bb4+, …Nc6, or a fianchetto with …b6 and …Bb7.
Breaks & Counter-Breaks: • White: d4-d5 (space gain), d4-dxe5 followed by Qxd4 (if safe).
• Black: …d6 and …dxe5, or …f6 undermining e5.
Endgame Prospects: If the centre clarifies, the resulting IQP or hanging-pawn structures demand precise play from both sides.

Illustrative High-Level Encounter

Carlsen – So, Leuven Blitz 2018:

Carlsen eventually converted a small edge stemming from the central space and more active pieces.

Anecdotes & Fun Facts

Because the structure is so French-like, club players who are comfortable with the Advance French often feel at home playing White in this line.
Engines used to recommend 5…d6 immediately, but modern neural-network evaluations show that 5…e6 keeps more winning chances for Black.