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Sicilian: Alapin Variation as White
The Sicilian: Alapin Variation begins with 1.e4 c5 2.c3, and it asks Black an immediate question: will they stay flexible, or strike back in the centre? In the position here, it is Black to move, and Stockfish rates it +0.24, a slight edge for White. That means the opening is basically level, so your goal is not to “win the opening” but to steer the game into a position you understand better than your opponent. The drill below trains that exact moment.
Play the Sicilian: Alapin Variation against the engine
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Play the drill below and practise the key position until it feels natural. Create a free account to track your progress and come back whenever you want.
Create a free account →What White is aiming for
With 2.c3, you keep the position compact and prepare to support a strong centre. The opening is not about memorising a long forced line; it is about getting a stable structure and making Black solve a few early problems. Because the position is still even, you should play simply and sensibly: develop, stay coordinated, and be ready for Black’s most direct central ideas. If you use this opening, you are choosing a practical fight rather than a sharp theoretical race.
The engine’s main answer
The engine’s best move here is Nf6. In the continuation given, Black follows with Nf6 e5 Nd5 Nf3, which shows the kind of game Black wants: active piece play and pressure on your centre. Your job is to respond without drifting into passive moves. Keep your pieces working together, and do not let Black’s activity become more important than your structure. The drill helps you recognise this setup so you can answer it with confidence when it appears over the board.
What the database says
The position has been played 12,980,875 times in the Lichess database, so this is a very well-trodden opening. The results are close enough to confirm the engine’s verdict: White wins 49.7%, draws 3.9%, and Black wins 46.4%. That is exactly the kind of opening where understanding matters more than rote memorisation. You are not looking for a forced advantage; you are looking for a reliable middlegame where your piece placement and central control give you good chances.
The most common branches to expect
Several replies show up often, and each one points to a different kind of game. The most-played continuation is Nc6 with 4,889,840 games and White scoring 51.0%. Then come d6 with 2,580,881 games and White scoring 50.3%, e6 with 1,861,581 games and White scoring 49.4%, d5 with 1,222,465 games and White scoring 45.9%, Nf6 with 784,440 games and White scoring 46.5%, and e5 with 716,894 games and White scoring 49.7%. You do not need to memorise all of these at once. Start by recognising the setup and then use the drill to meet the most common replies calmly.
Results across 12,980,875 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 4,889,840 | 51.0% |
| d6 | 2,580,881 | 50.3% |
| e6 | 1,861,581 | 49.4% |
| d5 | 1,222,465 | 45.9% |
| Nf6 | 784,440 | 46.5% |
| e5 | 716,894 | 49.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian: Alapin Variation good for White?
Yes, it is a very practical choice for White. The starting position is evaluated at +0.24, which is a slight edge for White, but the overall verdict is that it is dead level. That makes it a good opening if you want a sound game without diving into the sharpest main lines.
What is White trying to do after 1.e4 c5 2.c3?
White is aiming to support a strong centre and keep the position solid. The opening is about getting a comfortable structure and making Black react to your setup. Good development and coordination matter more than memorising a long sequence.
What is the best move for Black in this position?
The engine’s best move is **Nf6**. The listed continuation is **Nf6 e5 Nd5 Nf3**, which shows Black’s active central plan. Your drill should help you get used to that kind of reply so you can stay organised.
Which Black reply is most common?
The most-played continuation is **Nc6**, with **4,889,840 games**. Other common replies are **d6**, **e6**, **d5**, **Nf6**, and **e5**. Because the position is so common, it pays to understand the ideas rather than trying to memorise everything.
How many games feature the Sicilian: Alapin Variation?
Over 13 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian: Alapin Variation position. White wins 49.7%, Black wins 46.4%, with 3.9% draws — based on real rated games.