Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Alapin Variation, Sherzer Variation

B40positional

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3e6
  3. 3.c3Nf6
  4. 4.e5Nd5
  5. 5.d4Nc6
2,189 games52%45%

An Alapin Sicilian line (B40) in which Black develops with 5...Nc6 instead of exchanging on d4, leaving White a broad center with the pawn on e5.

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About the Sherzer Variation

The Sherzer Variation comes from a deferred Alapin move order, 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c3. Black attacks e4 with 3...Nf6, and after 4. e5 Nd5 5. d4 develops with 5...Nc6 rather than exchanging on d4. The usual reply is 6. Bc4. The engine prefers 6. c4, which drives the knight from d5 and scores well for White. Overall the engine gives White a clear advantage.

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