What is the Alapin Variation?

The Alapin Variation is a chess opening with a rich history and distinct strategic ideas. ChessTerra has 136 instructional videos covering every aspect of the Alapin Variation, from move-order basics to grandmaster-level theory.

How do I learn the Alapin Variation?

The best way to learn the Alapin Variation is to study instructional videos from strong players and grandmasters. ChessTerra provides 136 free videos on the Alapin Variation, organised by skill level from beginner to GM level.

Is the Alapin Variation good for beginners?

Many players learn the Alapin Variation at the beginner level because its core ideas are accessible and widely applicable. ChessTerra has beginner, intermediate, and advanced video collections to suit any level.

What are the main variations of the Alapin Variation?

The Alapin Variation has several important variations and sub-lines. ChessTerra's video library covers all major lines, with dedicated opening guide articles for in-depth study.

Which grandmasters play the Alapin Variation?

Many world-class grandmasters have championed the Alapin Variation throughout history and at the modern elite level. ChessTerra's 136 videos include games and analysis from GothamChess, Hikaru Nakamura, Agadmator, Daniel Naroditsky, and more.

Opening: Alapin Variation

136 videos tagged with this opening · Browse all chess openings

ECO B22You play White

Defining moves1.e4 c5 2.c3

Main line1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3 cxd4 6.cxd4 e5 7.Nc3 Bb4 8.Be2

Opening Trainer

Play the Alapin Variation as White. The bot answers with real book replies.

Loading the trainer…

Key variations

Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5
Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3
Alapin Variation, Anti-Alapin Gambit 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Nf6
Alapin Variation, Smith-Morra Declined 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4
Heidenfeld Variation 1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Na3
Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense, Modern Line 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4