Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6
The Delayed Alapin with ...e6 gives White a direct fight for the centre after the moves 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3. In the position you will drill, it is Black to move, and the engine gives White a small edge. That means your job is not to memorise long theory, but to understand the key reply, spot the common continuations, and keep the position under control when Black chooses the most accurate reaction.
Play the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6 against the engine
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Create a free account →What this position is about
This opening is built around White preparing a strong centre with c3 and the usual space-gaining ideas that follow. Because Black has already played ...e6, the position is flexible, but Black must still decide how to meet White's centre in a way that does not give White an easy initiative. The drill starts at exactly the moment where that decision matters most: Black to move, White ready to play the main plan, and the centre is still up for grabs.
The engine's key move
Stockfish rates this +0.30, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here. The engine's best move is d5, and the listed continuation shows why this is such an important decision for Black: d5 exd5 exd5 Bb5+. In practical terms, you should expect Black's most challenging response to aim straight at your centre, so you need to stay alert and keep your development coordinated.
What the database says
This exact position has been played 2,645,970 times, so it is not a rare curiosity. White wins 49.6%, draws 3.8%, and Black wins 46.6%, which matches the engine's view that White is a little better. The most-played continuations are Nc6 (868,811 games, White scores 50.9%), d5 (685,588 games, White scores 47.1%), a6 (490,668 games, White scores 50.8%), Nf6 (250,174 games, White scores 47.8%), d6 (92,462 games, White scores 50.6%), and b6 (46,333 games, White scores 51.5%).
The main mistake to know
One known mistake here is d6, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns; better was d5. That is a useful warning for practical play: if Black does not challenge the centre in the right way, White can often feel more comfortable and keep the initiative. In your drill, focus on making Black prove the position and do not let passive play give away the advantage you already have.
Results across 2,645,970 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 868,811 | 50.9% |
| d5 | 685,588 | 47.1% |
| a6 | 490,668 | 50.8% |
| Nf6 | 250,174 | 47.8% |
| d6 | 92,462 | 50.6% |
| b6 | 46,333 | 51.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6 good for White?
In this exact position, the engine gives White a small edge with +0.30. The database results also lean slightly in White's favour, so it is a sensible position to learn if you want an active but manageable advantage.
What is the best move for Black here?
The engine's best move is d5. The continuation given is d5 exd5 exd5 Bb5+, so Black's choice is about challenging your centre immediately and keeping the position concrete.
Which replies are most common in this position?
The most played continuations are Nc6, d5, a6, Nf6, d6, and b6. If you want a practical drill, these are the moves you are most likely to face over the board.
What mistake should I watch for?
d6 is listed as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns, with d5 being better. That means passive play can hand White a comfortable pull, so be ready to stay active against that kind of setup.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6?
Over 3 million Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6 position. White wins 49.6%, Black wins 46.6%, with 3.8% draws — based on real rated games.