How to beat the Alapin from black? [e4 c5 c3]

very funny @arnavgm

there are many variations 
most common is d5

I know that but are there any variation that you always get good positions with

alapin usually starts with equals - no one gets advantage. you have to play your way for it in the middlegame. but just prepare the opening as you might fall in traps just in case

I never asked for an advantage. Just an open position with chances for both sides

oh ok

1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3,exd5 Qxd5 4,d4 Nf6 5,Nf3 Bg4 is a popular and reasonable approach

1.e4 c5 2,c3 Nf6 3,e5 Nd5 4,d4 cxd4 5,Nf3 d6 6.Nxd4 Nc6 7.Bc4 is another 

You have to know a little more theory to play the second line, I think, But they are both sound

I've had some success with e6, transposing into a French defence-like position. IMO it's the best way for black to fight for an advantage in the opening from a practical perspective at sub 2000 level. Although i'm probably wrong objectively.

im pro

Thanks everyone!

I have always found 2...Nf6 the most effective against 2.c3 and is why I specifically do not play the Alapin as White.

Now, something to keep in mind about move orders.

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c3 and you can directly transpose to the 2...Nf6 line of the Alapin.  When I played the Sicilian, I was predominantly a Taimanov player, so I played 2...e6 myself.

If 2...Nc6, you can still transpose to the 2...d5 line after 3.c3, but to directly transpose to the 2...Nf6 lines would require cooperation from White.  After 2...e6 3.c3, you can basically force White into the 2.c3 Nf6 lines.  But also, the 2...Nf6 lines with an early Nc6 tend to be inferior for Black.

After 2...d6, 3.c3 is a whole different ball of wax than 2.c3.

So what you do against the open Sicilian may drive your choice.  If you play 2...Nc6, you might want to learn the 2.c3 d5 line.  If you play 2...e6, you should learn the 2.c3 Nf6 line.  If you play 2...d6, take your pick because you have to learn 2 completely separate lines anyway!

I've played the Sicilian on and off... personally, I've always played ONE continuation: ...Nf6

Agreed. 2...... Nf6 is the top main line!

You play normal stuff and then hope your opponent randomly blunders his knight 👍

it's stockfish's preference

I usually play 2...d6 which is a very uncommon line but perfectly playable.

Tysmm!

I like these g6 lines. It's a sideline, so not every Alapin player will be that well prepared against it. Looks very reasonable to develop the Bishop on g7 against White's isolated pawn on d4. In some lines its possible to develop the knight Nh6 -> Nf5 to put more pressure on White's pawn. Black is scoring quite well here according to the database.