Sicilian Defense · B22

Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense, Central Exchange

1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 cxd4 5. cxd4 Nc6 6. Nf3 Bg4

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. The c-file is fully open.

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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