Sicilian Defense · B22

Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense, through 3... Qxd5, line 1

1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. 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 4 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.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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