Sicilian Defense · B22

Alapin Variation

1. e4 c5 2. c3

2.c3 says no to main-line theory: White simply builds d4 next move and plays a tidy centre against Black's queenside counters.

The first 3 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. c3 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Alapin Variation.

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