Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.d4 Nf6 · ECO B22 · White to move

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What Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on d4.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The d-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders

Move orders

  1. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.d4 Nf6
  2. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Bb5+ Nc6 6.O-O Bd6 7.d4