Chess opening · ECO B22
Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. c3. It ranks #65 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. c3White advances the c-pawn to c3.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nc6; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d5.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc6 30% | d6 24% | Nf6 19% |
| 1200–1399 | Nc6 33% | d6 24% | e6 16% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc6 35% | d6 18% | e6 17% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc6 32% | e6 16% | d6 16% |
| 1800–1999 | d5 24% | Nc6 22% | e6 15% |
| 2000 and up | d5 36% | Nf6 23% | e6 16% |
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