As White
Alapin Variation (against the Sicilian)
The Alapin Variation (against the Sicilian) is a chess opening for White that starts with 1.e4 c5 2.c3.
Against the Sicilian, c3 prepares d4 to get two centre pawns and avoid the heavy theory of the Open Sicilian.
Reviewed on November 6, 2026 · Prepared by Josep Serrano Ballestero
4 lines
2...Nc6: canvi a d4
1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.cxd4 d5 5.exd5 Qxd5 6.Nf3 e5 7.Nc3
2...d5: la dama al centre
1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Be2 Nc6 7.O-O
2...Nf6: línia principal
1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.cxd4 d6 7.Bc4 Nb6 8.Bb5
2...e6: estructura francesa
1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.d4 d5 4.e5 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.a3
Frequently asked questions
Is the Alapin Variation (against the Sicilian) good for beginners?
It suits players who already have some experience. On OpeningCraft it is aimed at players with Elo 1000 – 1200. It suits players who prefer long-term plans and pawn structure.
How many lines of the Alapin Variation (against the Sicilian) do you need to learn?
OpeningCraft teaches 4, in blocks of 5. They come from real Lichess games at each rating band, and the traps and opponent mistakes most common at your level come first.