Alapin 2.c3 d5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B22). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. c3 d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nf6 …. Black takes on d5 with the queen. White develops with Nf3, Be2 and O-O, accepts an isolated d4 pawn and gains time on the queen with Nc3, reaching an active middlegame. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and bishop.
1... c5 – The Sicilian: Black fights for d4 from the side.
2. c3 – The Alapin: White prepares d4 so a capture on d4 can be met by a pawn recapture.
2... d5 – Black strikes in the centre at once, using the fact that c3 took the knight's natural square.
3. exd5 – White takes, so that after ...Qxd5 the queen can be hit with tempo later.
3... Qxd5 – Recaptures; the c3 pawn means White cannot gain time with Nc3 just yet.
4. d4 – Builds the centre and opens the c1 bishop.
4... Nf6 – Develops and supports the queen on d5.
5. Nf3 – Develops and defends d4.
5... Bg4 – Pins the f3 knight and adds pressure to d4.
6. Be2 – Breaks the pin and prepares to castle.
6... e6 – Opens the f8 bishop and keeps the queen supported.
7. O-O – White castles first, before deciding about the centre.
7... Nc6 – Develops and adds a third attacker to d4.
8. Be3 – Defends d4 a second time and develops.
8... cxd4 – Black releases the tension, leaving White with an isolated d-pawn.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM