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Alapin Sicilian
Beginnerwhite repertoire·6 parts
The Alapin (1.e4 c5 2.c3). White supports a future d4 with the c3-pawn, builds a pawn centre, and sidesteps the Sicilian's heavy theory. A solid, easy system with a small edge — not a crusher.
Main idea
Use your c-pawn to support pushing d4, so you end up with two pawns side by side in the centre (on d4 and e4).
That central space gives you room to develop, castle, and slowly squeeze Black.
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Start
Key Strategic Ideas
First, the six ideas that make the Alapin tick — learn these and the individual lines fall into place. The trick: when Black plays 1...c5 hoping to drag you into Najdorf or Dragon theory, you play 2.c3 instead — and the game becomes a position you already know how to play.