Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO B22), reached after 3 half-moves: 1. e4 c5 2. c3.

Black rook — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Black knight — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Continue from this position

3 replies continue into sub-variations from this position. Click any to drill deeper.

2…d5 6 lines
- B22 Barmen Defense +4
- B22 Anti-Alapin Gambit
2…Nf6 3 lines
- B22 Stoltz Attack +1
- B22 Smith-Morra Declined
2…e6 1 line
- B40 Sherzer Variation

About this opening

Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code B22. ECO group B (B00–B99) covers semi-open games (1.e4 with Black playing anything other than 1…e5), with the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann and Pirc/Modern at its heart. This particular variation is reached after 3 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 c5 2. c3.

It belongs to the Sicilian Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Alapin Variation line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 c5, 2.c3. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.