ECO B22 · for White
Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
7,277,321 games in this band reached the Alapin Variation position. From there White won 50% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. cxd4 e6 5. Nf3 d5 6. e5 Nge7
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. c3
Aiming to play for a central space advantage with d4.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight while aiming to pressure the center in case of d4.
- 2... d6: Remaining flexible and allowing the light squared bishop to develop.
- 2... e6: Remaining flexible while likely preparing d5 to fight for the center.
- 2... d5: Advancing the d-pawn and pressuring white's center while gaining space.
Moves 3 to 4
3. d4 cxd4 4. cxd4 e6
3. d4
Advancing the d-pawn and gaining space in the center.
3... cxd4
Capturing the pawn after which Black will probably play d5 to fight White's space advantage.
4. cxd4
Recapturing on d4 with a big space advantage in the center.
4... e6
Opening up the dark-squared bishop and possibly preparing to gain space in the center with d5.
- 4... d5: Breaking in the center and fighting against White's space advantage.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nf3 d5 6. e5 Nge7
5. Nf3
Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center.
5... d5
6. e5
6... Nge7
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on d3 generally captures the knight on f5
- The light-squared bishop usually develops to d3
- The queenside knight often develops to c3
- The dark-squared bishop typically develops to e3
- The kingside rook generally develops to e1
- A common pawn move is a3
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White