Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5Bb4
- 4.c3Ba5
- 5.Bxc6dxc6
79 games
A gambit line of the Alapin Defense in which Black recaptures toward the center after Bxc6 and leaves the e5-pawn hanging in return for the bishop pair.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Alapin Gambit
In the Alapin Gambit, Black meets 4. c3 Ba5 5. Bxc6 with 5...dxc6. This opens the d-file and keeps the bishop pair, but with the c6-knight gone the e5-pawn is unprotected. Taking it with 6. Nxe5 is the most common reply and scores well for White. The move 6. b4, which harasses the a5-bishop, has fared poorly in practice. Engines give White a slight edge, and the line is rarely played.