Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation

White prepares d4 with c3 to build a strong classical centre, sidestepping the huge body of Open Sicilian theory. It is a solid, positional anti-Sicilian that is easy to learn and hard for Black to attack.

• Support a big d4 centre with the c3 pawn
• Meet ...d5 and ...Nf6 with sound central play
• Aim for an isolated queen's pawn position with active pieces
• Keep the game strategic and avoid Black's sharpest preparation