The Delayed Alapin Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B22. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c3 d5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Bb5+ Nc6 6. O-O Bd6 7. d4, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the e-file file is fully open.
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 Delayed Alapin Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c3 d5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Bb5+ Nc6 6. O-O Bd6 7. d4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B22.
The Delayed Alapin Variation 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. Nf3 e6 3. c3 d5 4. exd5 exd5 5. Bb5+ Nc6 6. O-O Bd6 7. d4 at +0.15 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the e-file file is fully open.