The Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack, Ivanchuk Line is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B22. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3 c4 7. Bc2 Qc7 8. Qe2 g5, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after eight moves.
On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.
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The Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack, Ivanchuk Line goes 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3 c4 7. Bc2 Qc7 8. Qe2 g5. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B22.
The Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack, Ivanchuk Line is ECO B22. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. c3 Nf6 3. e5 Nd5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3 c4 7. Bc2 Qc7 8. Qe2 g5 at +0.32 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.