Svitlana Demchenko: Silence the Sicilian - Win with the Alapin Variation (2.c3)

by ChessBase
7/28/2025 – This practical course offers a clean and effective response to the Sicilian Defense. By playing 2.c3, you sidestep heavy theory and gain early central control, logical development, and aggressive yet manageable positions. The course includes structured explanations, model games, and interactive training tools to help you confidently master the Alapin and outplay your opponents.
The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3.
Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 2...g6

Silence the Sicilian - Win with the Alapin Variation (2.c3)

by Svitlana Demchenko

Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.

Free video sample: Introduction

This variation allows for logical piece development, early central control, and positions that are far easier to handle than the deeply theoretical Open Sicilian. Solid yet flexible, the Alapin is also surprisingly aggressive and gives you many practical chances to outplay your opponent.

In this course, you’ll get:

  • Clear theory files and structured explanations
  • Instructive model games to understand typical plans
  • Interactive tactics and practice positions to build confidence Take the fight to your opponent – and silence the Sicilian – by mastering the Alapin.

Extensive training content and interactive exercises in ChessBase Books: Replay critical positions, solve exercises & test your knowledge with the opening trainer.

Free video sample: 2...g6

Video runtime: 6 hours 22 minutes

The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3.
Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 2...g6

Links:

Reports about chess: tournaments, championships, portraits, interviews, World Championships, product launches and more.
We use cookies and comparable technologies to provide certain functions, to improve the user experience and to offer interest-oriented content. Depending on their intended use, analysis cookies and marketing cookies may be used in addition to technically required cookies. Here you can make detailed settings or revoke your consent (if necessary partially) with effect for the future. Further information can be found in our data protection declaration.