Alapin Opening

The Alapin Opening, also called Alapin's Opening, arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Ne2. It is filed under ECO C20 with the other unusual second moves after 1. e4 e5. The knight move shuts in the f1-bishop for the time being, which is the main reason it is uncommon, but it leaves the f-pawn free to advance. White usually intends f4, attacking e5 much as in the King's Gambit, but without the pawn sacrifice. A later d4 is the other natural central break.

The most frequent reply is 2...Nc6, and after 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 the game transposes to the Scotch Game. Against 2...Nf6, White can still play f4, but Black can take the e-pawn. The line 3. f4 Nxe4 4. d3 Nc5 5. fxe5 d5 6. d4 Ne4 is assessed as equal. 2...d6 is the third most common answer. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced and lists 2...Bc5 alongside the two knight developments. On Lichess the results are almost evenly split, and draws are rare.