Alapin Variation, Stoltz Attack
- 1.e4c5
- 2.c3Nf6
- 3.e5Nd5
- 4.Nf3Nc6
- 5.Bc4Nb6
- 6.Bb3
1,632 games
Alapin Sicilian line in which White delays d4 for Nf3 and Bc4, then retreats the bishop to b3 after ...Nb6; a balanced game with a close score.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Stoltz Attack
The Stoltz Attack arises from the 2...Nf6 line of the Alapin when White postpones d4 in favor of 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bc4. After 5...Nb6, the bishop retreats with 6. Bb3 and stays on the a2–g8 diagonal. Black most often gains space with tempo by 6...c4. The Ivanchuk Line continues 7. Bc2 Qc7 8. Qe2 g5. The alternatives 6...d5 and 6...d6 strike at the center directly. The engine rates the position as balanced.