Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.c3, White asks a very practical question: will Black let the c-pawn support a big centre, or strike back cleanly right away? The good news is that this position is calm and playable, not a forced fight for survival. Stockfish rates this +0.08, a small edge for White. That means you are basically level here. The drill below helps you learn the most reliable moves and spot the common replies Black uses in this exact position.
Play the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6 against the engine
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Create a free account →What this position is really about
This opening is about building a solid centre without rushing. With c3 on the board, White is ready to support e4 and keep the position flexible. Black has several sensible replies, and the whole opening often comes down to whether Black meets the setup with the most accurate development. If you understand the plans here, you do not need memorised tricks — you just need to make good developing moves and keep your position comfortable.
Black’s most accurate answer
The engine’s best move here is Nf6, continuing Nf6 Bd3 Bg4 Be2. That is the move the drill is built around, because it is the most reliable way for Black to meet the structure. As White, your job is to stay calm, develop sensibly, and not help Black get easy activity. This is a good opening to practise because the move is natural, but the follow-up plans still matter a lot.
What the games show
The database says this exact position has been reached in 3,717,731 games, so you are studying a very real opening crossroads. White wins 50.3%, draws 4.1%, and Black wins 45.6%. That is another sign that the position is extremely close. In practice, this means both sides have chances, and small move-order choices can matter even when the position itself looks quiet.
The replies you will meet most often
The most-played continuations are Nf6, Nc6, e5, e6, g6, and a6. Nf6 is both the engine’s top choice and the most common move by far. Nc6, e5, and e6 are all marked as inaccuracies here, each losing about 0.8 pawns compared with Nf6. So if Black does not choose the best reply, you are often getting a little extra comfort very early.
How to approach the drill
Play this position as a simple opening test: first identify Black’s most accurate reply, then stay focused on developing your pieces cleanly. Because the position is dead level, you do not need to hunt for an attack at all costs. Try to make each move improve your structure, keep your king safe, and make Black work for every equalising idea. That is the best mindset for this line.
Results across 3,717,731 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 1,625,066 | 48.4% |
| Nc6 | 996,389 | 52.1% |
| e5 | 222,376 | 52.7% |
| e6 | 219,887 | 50.3% |
| g6 | 210,483 | 49.7% |
| a6 | 182,444 | 52.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6 good for White?
It is a very playable choice for White. Stockfish gives +0.08, which is dead level, and the database results are close too. You are not trying to crush Black immediately; you are aiming for a sound position with practical chances.
What is Black’s best move here?
The engine’s best move is Nf6. In the recommended continuation, that move leads into Nf6 Bd3 Bg4 Be2. The drill helps you learn how to answer that setup without drifting.
Which replies should I watch out for most?
The most common continuations are Nf6, Nc6, e5, e6, g6, and a6. Among them, Nf6 is the main one to know well, while Nc6, e5, and e6 are listed as inaccuracies in this exact position. That makes them especially useful to recognise in practice.
What should my plan be as White after 3.c3?
Keep things simple and solid. You are preparing a centre and developing into a calm, playable middlegame rather than forcing tactics from the start. Good development and king safety matter more than memorising long lines here.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6?
Over 4 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6 position. White wins 50.3%, Black wins 45.6%, with 4.1% draws — based on real rated games.