Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation (2.c3)
ECO B22beginner
The Alapin, 1.e4 c5 2.c3, is White's most principled anti-Sicilian: instead of allowing the standard cxd4 trade, White simply prepares d4 with pawn support, aiming for a full classical center. Black's two main answers — 2...Nf6 hitting e4 and 2...d5 striking immediately — both concede White an isolated-queen-pawn or space-edge middlegame that is far easier to play than mainline Sicilian theory. It is a favorite recommendation for players who face the Sicilian constantly but don't want to study the Najdorf.
Main line
1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bc4 Nb6 7.Bb3 d5
Diagram shows the position after 6 half-moves of the main line. On SpeakChess you can drill this line move by move — the trainer plays the other side and corrects you instantly, then spaced repetition schedules each variation so you review it right before you would forget it.
Win rates by rating
Results from real online games, measured after the line shown in each row. Most opening sites show one aggregate number — how an opening scores depends heavily on who is playing it.
| Rating | Games | White wins | Draws | Black wins | Position after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400-600 | 35 | 45.7% | 8.6% | 45.7% | 1.e4 c5 2.c3 |
| 600-800 | 25 | 40% | 8% | 52% | 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 |
| 800-1000 | 118 | 52.5% | 3.4% | 44.1% | 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 |
| 1000-1200 | 39 | 41% | 2.6% | 56.4% | 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 |
| 1200-1400 | 137 | 59.1% | 0.7% | 40.1% | 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 |
Most played continuations (1200-1400 rating)
After 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6:
- cxd4 — played 90.5% of the time (White wins 58.9%, draws 0.8%, Black wins 40.3%)
- Bc4 — played 5.1% of the time (White wins 71.4%, draws 0%, Black wins 28.6%)
- Nxd4 — played 2.2% of the time (White wins 33.3%, draws 0%, Black wins 66.7%)
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
Is the Alapin a good weapon against the Sicilian?
Yes — it is the most popular anti-Sicilian at master level for a reason. White gets sensible, structure-based positions with a clear plan (build and support the d4 center) and avoids thousands of pages of Open Sicilian theory. Black can equalize with precise play, but the positions remain easier for White to handle.
What should Black play against 2.c3?
Both 2...Nf6 (3.e5 Nd5, gaining time against the advanced pawn) and 2...d5 (3.exd5 Qxd5, when c3 blocks the natural Nc3 tempo) are fully sound. The key is to keep pressuring the d4 center before White completes development.
Learn the Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation for free
Interactive move-by-move training, ELO-calibrated sparring bots that actually play these lines, and spaced-repetition reviews. No installs, free to start.