Play the Sicilian Alapin - Part 2
We are happy to announce that GM Martin Lorenzini has just released the second final part of his Alapin survey (Here is a link to Part 1 - Play the Alapin - Part 1. This time, he provides a highly ambitious repertoire against 2...Nf6 and 2...e6.
The database consists of 15 theoretical chapters, typical pawn structures (extensively annotated model games), 20 interactive test positions, and Memory Booster.
Below, you can take a look at how the author presents the database himself.
Preview by the Author
The main starting point of this survey arises after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6
Together with 2...d5, this is Black's main answer to the Alapin Variation. After 2...Nf6 we find a large number of lines that Black can choose from. Very rich positions are reached with a wide variety of centre types. Sometimes, White has a hard time claiming an advantage, but Black has to overcome many practical problems and play very precisely.
In this database, I also examine the following move order: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.d4 Nc6 6.Bb5
We have transposed to a position from the Tarrasch Variation of the French Defence in which White has played c2-c3. This position is dealt with in chapters 5, 6, and 7.
Let's get back to the main line. A very important crossroads arises after 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3
Statistically speaking, the main line is 4...Nc6. Another very important direction is 4...e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4
Alongside some rare moves, the move 6...d6 is analysed in Chapter 1. After 6...d6, the absolute main line goes 7.Bc4 Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2
This position is studied exhaustively in Chapters 3 and 4.
The move 6...b6 is the subject of Chapter 2.
Against 4...d6, I suggest the rare 5.Na3.
This atypical development, which is a speciality of Sergei Tiviakov, is covered in Chapter 9.
The absolute main crossroad of the database arises after 4...Nc6 5.Nc4 Nb6 6.Bb3
At this point, the main line starts with 6...d5.
The move 6...g6 is a minor line that does not cause any inconveniences for White. It is the subject of Chapter 11. The continuation 6...e6 is a rare alternative with ideas similar to 4...e6, this is covered in Chapter 10. Another rare move is 6...d6. This continuation is considered in Chapter 13.
After 6...c4, we reach a sharp line where White sacrifices a pawn to fight for the initiative. It is analysed in Chapter 12.
The main position is reached after 6...d5 7.exd6 c4 8.Bc2 Qxd6
This very complex position is the subject of Chapter 15. In Chapter 14, I consider 7...Qxd6, without the advance ...c5-c4. In this case, White has even more chances to fight for an advantage.
In order to summarize, I would say that I find the suggested repertoire very practical. When possible, I try to provide interesting and relatively less explored variations. In every single line, Black should face some practical problems. I hope that my 2 databases will provide you with a long-term decent solution against the Sicilian.
Good luck!
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