Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense, Milner-Barry Attack
- 1.e4c5
- 2.c3d5
- 3.exd5Qxd5
- 4.d4Nc6
- 5.Nf3cxd4
- 6.cxd4e5
- 7.Nc3Bb4
- 8.Be2
229 games
A sharp Alapin Sicilian line in which Black counters with ...e5 and ...Bb4, and White answers with 8. Be2, accepting an isolated d-pawn.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Milner-Barry Attack
Black's 6...e5 strikes at the isolated d4-pawn. Once the c-pawns have been exchanged, White can play 7. Nc3 to hit the queen, and 7...Bb4 answers by pinning that knight. With 8. Be2, White develops and prepares to castle, which would break the pin. The engine rates the position roughly balanced, and White scores somewhat better in practice. The usual replies are 8...exd4, 8...Bxc3+ and 8...e4.