The Sicilian – Alapin Variation arises after 1.e4 c5 2.c3. ECO code: B22.

Named after Semyon Alapin (1856–1923). White supports d4, aiming for a broad centre. After 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 or 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5, the resulting positions are solid for White but lack the dynamism of the Open Sicilian. The Alapin is popular at club level as it allows White to avoid the vast Sicilian theory.