Alapin 2.c3
Sicilian Defence · B22 · you play Black. 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6
About the Alapin 2.c3
The Alapin, 2.c3, is White's main way to avoid the Open Sicilian. Black's best is 2...Nf6, attacking e4 and provoking e5, after which the knight goes to d5 and Black undermines the centre with ...cxd4 and ...d6. The positions resemble an Alekhine Defence with colours reversed in spirit.
Playing the Sicilian Defence as Black? The Alapin 2.c3 (B22) begins 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4, and is one of 5 lines you can practise here. Start in learn mode to see the idea behind every move, then play the Alapin 2.c3 yourself and let the coach correct your mistakes. The page continues past the opening with middlegame plans, typical endgames and master games played with the Alapin 2.c3. Use it to build your Black repertoire, and test what you remember with speed training or the random-position drill.