Chess lessons › Chess openings
The Alapin Sicilian
Meet the Sicilian with c3 and d4, learn both of Black’s main answers and the knight trap on e4.
The idea
White meets the Sicilian with c3 to build a full centre with d4.
- If Black takes on d4, the pawn on c3 takes back.
- White wants d4 next, with two pawns in the centre.
- Black hits e4 at once with ...Nf6 or ...d5.
In a game: If Black’s knight jumps to e4 after your e5, a pawn on d3 can trap it.
How the lesson begins
Against the Sicilian, 2.c3 is the Alapin Variation, named after Semyon Alapin. White prepares d4, so that if Black takes on d4, the pawn on c3 takes back and White keeps two pawns in the centre. It also keeps away from the long theory of the Open Sicilian.
Among players rated 1200 to 1599 on Lichess, White scores 52% after 2.c3, and 54% among players rated 2000 and above. Alapin played it himself, though he lost with it to Siegbert Tarrasch at Vienna in 1898.
Find the move
Black to move. The pawn on c3 has taken the square White’s knight would use to guard e4. Attack the pawn on e4 at once.
A hint
A knight or a pawn can hit e4.
Show the answer
2... Nf6
Both 2...Nf6 and 2...d5 are among the engine’s best moves, and both hit e4 before White can play d4. They are the two main lines.
In numbers
How often it is played
| Rating | Value |
|---|---|
| Under 800 | Too few games |
| 800 to 1199 | 1.3 |
| 1200 to 1599 | 3.7 |
| 1600 to 1999 | 8.3 |
| 2000 and up | 11 |
How the games ended
White won 51%, 5% were drawn and Black won 45%, over 11,024 games that start this way, in a sample of rated Lichess games from 2026.