Sicilian: Alapin, 2...Nf6, 5.Qxd4
Sicilian: Alapin
Definition
The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. c3. It is named for the Russian-French master Semyon Alapin (1856–1923) who analysed the line extensively at the end of the 19th century. Modern literature often calls it the “c3-Sicilian.”
Typical Move Order
Most commonly:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. c3 d5 / Nf6 / e6 (three main replies)
- 3. exd5 / e5 / d4, depending on Black’s second move.
How It Is Used
White’s immediate aim is to prepare d2–d4 under favourable circumstances without allowing Black the usual Sicilian counterplay based on …d7–d5 or …Nf6 followed by …d5. By inserting c2–c3 first, White builds a strong central pawn duo (e4 & d4) and keeps the pawn structure flexible.
Strategic & Historical Significance
- Anti-theory weapon: 2.c3 sidesteps the labyrinth of mainline Najdorf, Dragon, and Scheveningen theory.
- Space vs. activity: White accepts a slower piece development in exchange for a broad pawn centre; Black strives to undermine that centre quickly.
- World-class pedigree: Used by former World Champions Anatoly Karpov, Vladimir Kramnik, and Magnus Carlsen as a low-risk surprise.
- Theoretical ebb & flow: The popularity of computer engines has periodically revived the line because it is strategically rich yet relatively compact in theory.
Model Games
- Karpov – Salov, Linares 1991: White demonstrates the classical “slow build-up” plan with c3–d4 and a kingside space advantage.
- Carlsen – Topalov, Nanjing 2010: A modern illustration of flexible development with g3 & Bg2, showing how the Alapin can morph into an English-type structure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because 2.c3 resembles the starting move of the French Defence (…e6) from White’s side, some jokingly call it “The reversed French.”
- Karpov revealed in interviews that he adopted the Alapin in the 1980s partly to avoid Kasparov’s deep Najdorf preparation, claiming it saved him “hours of computer analysis.”
- Engine statistics show that the line scores close to 55 % for White in rapid and blitz .
2…Nf6 (in the Alapin)
Definition
After 1. e4 c5 2. c3, the move 2…Nf6 is one of Black’s three principal replies (the others being 2…d5 and 2…e6). It attacks the pawn on e4 immediately, provoking White to advance it to e5.
Main Continuation
The critical sequence runs:
- 1.e4 c5
- 2.c3 Nf6
- 3.e5 Nd5
- 4.d4 cxd4
- 5.Nf3 or 5.Qxd4 (two major branches)
Strategic Ideas
- Provocation: By forcing e4–e5, Black tempts White to overextend; the knight on d5 eyes the c3-square, making …d6 or …d5 breaks easier later.
- Piece activity: Black aims for natural development (…Nc6, …e6, …d6) while pressuring the d4-pawn once it appears on the board.
- Imbalance: The early pawn thrust e4-e5 reduces the dynamic central tension, leading to positions that differ sharply from the quiet 2…d5 Alapin.
Historical & Practical Importance
Originally considered secondary to 2…d5, 2…Nf6 gained respect in the 1990s thanks to players like Alexei Shirov and Peter Svidler, who used the line to create unbalanced struggles.
Notable Games
- Shirov – Svidler, Russian Ch. 1994: A theoretical duel ending in a spectacular rook sacrifice by Black.
- Caruana – Karjakin, Candidates 2016: Demonstrates Black’s equalising chances with accurate central counterplay.
Trivia
- In databases of elite games (Elo 2500+), 2…Nf6 now outnumbers 2…d5 by a small margin, reflecting modern taste for complexity over immediate simplification.
- The position after 3.e5 is one of the rare Sicilian structures where Black’s light-squared bishop may develop outside the pawn chain via …g6 and …Bg7.
5.Qxd4 (Alapin, 2…Nf6 line)
Definition
In the sequence 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4, the move 5.Qxd4 re-captures on d4 with the queen instead of the more traditional 5.Nf3. It is sometimes called the Central Queen variation.
Purpose & Usage
- Fast development: White keeps the knight on g1 free to go to e2 or f3 later, and intends Nc3 without blocking the queen.
- Tempo play: The queen often gets chased by …Nc6, but White argues that the resulting queen retreat (e.g., 6.Qe4) still fits the developmental scheme.
- Pawn structure: White maintains the e5 pawn and aims for c3-c4, Be2, 0-0, clamping the d6-square.
Typical Continuations
- 5…e6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Qe4 f5!? – A sharp line popularised by Alexander Morozevich.
- 5…Nc6 6.Qe4 e6 7.Nf3 d6 – A quieter setup leading to a Maroczy-type bind.
Strategic Significance
The early queen excursion challenges classical opening principles but creates practical problems for Black. It often results in long manoeuvring middlegames where pawn levers (…d6–d5 or …f6) decide the battle.
Historical Example
Anand – Topalov, Sofia 2010 (rapid) featured 5.Qxd4 and ended in a complex draw after both players missed tactical shots deep in the middlegame.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
- 5.Qxd4 was dismissed as “beginnerish” in early Soviet manuals, yet engines today rate it as fully playable.
- Online bullet specialists love the move for its surprise value; a quick 6.Bc4 can catch incautious opponents in mating nets.
- A well-known trap: 5.Qxd4 e6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Qe4 d6?? 8.exd6 Bxd6 9.Na3! and Black’s c-pawn falls with a sorry position.
Mini-Game Demonstration
Try the line against the engine: