ChessAnalyzerSicilian: Alapin: moves, ideas and plans
An anti-Sicilian with c3: White prepares d4 to get a full pawn centre and avoids the sharpest Sicilian theory.
B22Play it as WhiteBeginner14 moves
Main line: 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. cxd4 d6 7. Bc4 Nb6
Key ideas
- c3 prepares d4 so White can recapture with a pawn.
- After ...Nf6, e5 gains space and harasses the knight.
- A simple plan against the Sicilian.
The Sicilian: Alapin move by move
Every move of the main line, with the reason it is played. The final position is recognised in the opening database as B22 Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Smith-Morra Declined.
- 1. e4Centre.
- 1… c5The Sicilian.
- 2. c3The Alapin: d4 comes next, supported by a pawn.
- 2… Nf6Black attacks e4 at once, the most direct reply.
- 3. e5Gains space and kicks the knight.
- 3… Nd5The knight finds a central outpost.
- 4. d4White builds the centre.
- 4… cxd4Black releases the tension.
- 5. Nf3Develops before recapturing.
- 5… Nc6Pressure on d4 and e5.
- 6. cxd4White gets the ideal pawn centre.
- 6… d6Black attacks the e5 pawn.
- 7. Bc4Develops and hits the d5 knight.
- 7… Nb6The knight retreats with tempo on the bishop.
More openings for White
Italian Game
Fast development and a bishop aimed at f7, the weakest square in Black's camp. The classic first opening to learn with White.
Two Knights: the Fried Liver trap
A sharp attacking line. If Black recaptures on d5 with the knight, White can sacrifice on f7 and hunt the king into the open.
Ruy Lopez
The Spanish Game: slow, deep pressure on Black's centre. A lifetime opening played at every level.