Openings

Against the Sicilian: Alapin

A reply to …c5 that prepares d4. Learn to distinguish the …Nf6 and …d5 counterattacks.

Club foundations · 1000–1400Intermediate · 1400–1600

4 lessons · 32 min estimated practice

Free · No game imports needed

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White to move

Try the first position

Prepare d4 with c3; against …Nf6, play e5 to attack the knight.

Prepare the centre and answer …Nf6
Club foundations · 8 min
With c3 you prepare support for d4. If Black attacks e4 with the knight, address that attack before completing your plan.
Answer the …d5 break
Club foundations · 8 min
Here Black attacks e4 with a pawn. Exchanging lets you occupy d4 without sacrificing the e4 pawn.
Develop before recapturing
Intermediate · 8 min
The black knight now occupies d5. The centre may open, but you need not answer every capture with an immediate recapture.
Play with an isolated pawn
Intermediate · 8 min
Your d4 pawn no longer has neighbours on c or e. It needs piece support, and activity matters as much as defence.