Alapin 2.c3 Nf6 is variation 2 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B22). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. d4 cxd4 …. Black hits e4; White pushes 3.e5 and after 3...Nd5 builds a centre with d4 and Nf3. In the main line White chases the knight with Bc4 and Bb5 and gets a lead in development. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. c3 – The Alapin.
2... Nf6 – Black attacks e4, which can no longer be defended by Nc3.
3. e5 – White gains space and time by kicking the knight.
3... Nd5 – The knight goes to the centre, where it blocks the d-pawn but is hard to attack.
4. d4 – Builds the centre and opens the c1 bishop.
4... cxd4 – Black exchanges to open the c-file and remove White's pawn duo.
5. Nf3 – Develops first; White can take back on d4 next move.
5... Nc6 – Develops and pressures d4 and e5.
6. cxd4 – Recaptures with the pawn, keeping a strong centre.
6... d6 – Black challenges e5 at once.
7. Bc4 – Attacks the d5 knight and forces a decision.
7... Nb6 – The knight retreats and hits the c4 bishop.
8. Bb5 – Pins the c6 knight and keeps pressure on e5 and d4.
8... dxe5 – Black takes the e5 pawn.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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