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For this final update of the year, we are focused on the Alapin! It’s an opening I’ve generally tried to avoid learning over the years, and have paid the price on a few occasions as Black. After this update, I may even start playing it as White myself.
The update is broadly split across three black setups. The first is the least common, with 2..d5 and 3..Nf6. This is comparatively rare, but certainly isn’t bad for Black. White needs to know how to respond (I recommend 4.Bb5+) in order not to be caught off guard.
The second is perhaps considered the main line, with ..Nf6, e5 and ..Nd5. There is a wealth of theory here, but we’ll focus on a few minor lines which can get White ahead quite quickly if Black missteps.
Finally, setups with ..Qd5 are very common and need attention. We’ll look into a few, unrelated lines to illustrate the directions in which this can go. Some very nice games where both White and Black get taught some lessons!

Download PGN of December ’25 Anti-Sicilian games

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Alapin 2..d5 3.exd5 Nf6 [B22]

This variation may be used to surprise White, so it’s worth being familiar with! We will look at two options for White. The best seems to be 4.Bb5+:

as seen in Caruana, F - Steinberg, N where Black played 4..Bd7. Fabi was doing well before a mistake under pressure cost him the game.

4..Nbd7 is the other, more common option. Aronian, L - Vidit, S continued 5.d4 Qb6? 6.c4? cxd4 which very quickly went White’s way.

4.d4 is another option, which often transposes back into the main line if Black plays 4..Qxd5. However, Gomez, C - Perez Ponsa, F continued 4..Nxd5:

a sideline which went very badly for White in this game.


Alapin with ...Nf6 and e4-e5 [B22]

Carlsen, M - Andreikin, D saw 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 e6:

and continued down a critical line where White achieves a comfortable edge in an endgame.

A related but distinct variation appeared in the recent FIDE World Cup in Martinez Alcantara, J - Sarana, A. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.d4 cxd4 6.Bc4 Nb6 7.Bb3:

I would recommend this line for White, as Black can easily go wrong (as seen in the game!).


Alapin 2..d5: 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 [B22]

4..Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Be3 Bg4 went very well for Black in Goossens, H - Ivic, V:

after 7.c4 Qh5 8.d5 the move 8...Nd4 is well worth a look, as things can go badly for White very quickly.

Alternatively, 5..e6 6.Na3 a6 7.Nc4 Nbd7 8.Be2 b5:

9.Na5 was played in Rapport, R - Supi, L, where White turned a relatively quiet position into a tactical minefield - though that may be more to do with the player than the opening!

Alternatively, Black can pick another setup with 4..g6, as in Sevian, S - Najer, E. After 5.Nf3 Bg7 6.Na3 cxd4 7.Nb5:

Now Black made a misstep with 7..Qd8? and didn’t last long.



I hope you enjoyed my updates this year. Have a great festive season! Ezra

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