Sicilian Defense · B22

Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack

1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3

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... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.

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