Openings / c3 Sicilian
Beating the Sicilian in 21 Moves
or Less with the Alapin 1. e4 c5 2. c3: A sweet and simple cure to the Sicilian By FM ALISA MELEKHINA
The first several moves of the Open Sicilian have become almost automatic in chess over the past two decades. Before following the rote path of 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3—3. d4, it is worth reflecting on the premises under lying the mainstream opening choice. My purpose in writing this article is to do exactly that. I don’t want to provide you merely with opening theory you can regurgitate over the board. I’m instead offering the principles underlying not only how to play the Alapin, but the principles supporting its merit as an opening at all.
Playing the 2. c3 Sicilian requires believing in its value as a tactical and pragmatic system. Unless you’re a super-grandmaster, there’s no reason for you to spend time updating your files in the Bg5 Najdorf. For the rest of us who are trying to balance other pursuits with chess, we need a system-based approach to openings. An opening that takes our opponent out of theory where true chess wit can be shown. Since players who employ the Sicilian as black usually have reams of theory up their sleeve, anti-Sicilians can come as an unpleasant surprise. Already, you will have the psychological edge. Coupled with an understanding of the guiding principles of the 2. c3 Sicilian, you will also have a strategic edge over the board.
I begin by introducing these key guiding principles. We will then examine how they are applied to the two main continuations in the c3 Sicilian—the 2. ... Nf6 and 2. ... d7-d5 lines. In the final part, I include a game demonstrating the hybrid lines where Black delays going ... d5 until after White plays e4-e5. The examples are from my personal tournament games, including a favorite win over GM Alexander Shabalov. Ironically, all of my sample games were won in “21 moves or less.” It’s no coinci dence. If Black is in unfamiliar territory, things can go wrong very quickly. At the same time, the c3 Sicilian is extremely low-risk for White and in fact depends on the simple idea of rapid development.
Contrary to popular belief, the opening is rich in tactics. It is ideal for players who thrive in creating over the board. The 2. c3 Sicilian stresses understanding over theory memorization. Indeed, this primer should be sufficient for you to give the 2. c3 Sicilian a try in your own tournament games.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. e4 c5 In analyzing axioms it is worth reflecting
on 1. ... c5 as a response to 1. e4. It would be unusual to teach an absolute beginner to play the Sicilian as their first opening. Most youngsters start out as 1. e4 e5 or 1. d4 d5 players. Controlling the center is a true chess axiom. Conversely, in the Sicilian Black opts to control the center indirectly and with a pawn that hinders development. Why is the Sicilian so popular then? It offers Black dynamic play via the open c-files and indirectly attacking e4. But only if White allows this set-up by going into the Open.
40 October 2014 | Chess Life
Instead, why not follow through with
the original plan of exerting an early, pawn center?
2. c3 ... supports d2-d4, allowing White the
benefit of a strong, pawn center and taking control of the game.
• The “c3” of the 2. c3 Sicilian is designed to support d4 and support White’s strong pawn center.
• This paves the way for rapid castling and development.
• If Black fights back by gaining his own control of the center, he will fall behind in development and could fall prey to a quick, piece attack.
• If Black neglects the center, White may obtain devastating control of the b1-h7 and c1-h6 diagonals.
2. ... Nf6 LINE PRINCIPLES
• The Nf6 lines share common themes with the Advanced French.
• As in the Advanced French, White’s light- squared bishop is paramount.
• After Black kicks back the bishop from c4, White will retreat to d3 and typically develop by Qe2, followed by a choice of queen to e4 or queen to c2.
• Black’s dark-squared bishop is restricted, but acts as a key defender. Ideally, White will cajole Black into exchanging it, usually with a bishop on g5.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76