
Strengths and Weaknesses of Sicilian Alapin's variation
Hi! This is pete-2. The following game shows strengths and weaknesses of Sicilian Alapin's variation. However it shows how to play against Alapin. I played as Black and won the game. After 2.c3 Black just plays d5, controlling the centre. 7.d4 was unexpected move for Black. But it's important move for developement. White concentrates pushing on d-diagonal. 11.Qa4+ was good move, saving white dark-squared bishop. After this move White continued defending and pushing. But after castle kingside Black recaptured the initiative. Players who play Alapin's variation must be careful with pawn exchange in the middle of the board, because open files always come of sharp game.