New: Svitlana Demchenko: Silence the Sicilian - Win with the Alapin Variation (2.c3)
This practical course offers a clean and effective response to the Sicilian Defense. By playing 2.c3, you sidestep heavy theory and gain early central control, logical development, and aggressive yet manageable positions. The course includes structured explanations, model games, and interactive training tools to help you confidently master the Alapin and outplay your opponents. Apart from downloading files and installing on your computer, you can now stream videos and study from ChessBase books on any device - computer, smartphone, tablets etc. The app runs on both Windows and Mac OSX. For Windows device, Windows 10 or higher is required. Get this FritzTrainer and enrich your knowledge in the Alapin by WIM Svitlana Demchenko. Photo: ChessBase
Silence the Sicilian - Win with the Alapin Variation (2.c3)
by Svitlana Demchenko

Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
This variation allows for logical piece development, early central control, and positions that are far easier to handle than the deeply theoretical Open Sicilian. Solid yet flexible, the Alapin is also surprisingly aggressive and gives you many practical chances to outplay your opponent.
In this course, you’ll get:
• Clear theory files and structured explanations
• Instructive model games to understand typical plans
• Interactive tactics and practice positions to build confidence Take the fight to your opponent – and silence the Sicilian – by mastering the Alapin.
Extensive training content and interactive exercises in ChessBase Books: Replay critical positions, solve exercises & test your knowledge with the opening trainer.
• Free video sample: Introduction
• Free video sample: 2...g6
• Video running time: 6 hours 22 minutes
System requirements
Minimum: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, DirectX11, graphics card with 256 MB RAM, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 14/Fritz 16 or included Reader and internet access for program activation.
Recommended: PC Intel i5 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, graphics card with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10-compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11 and internet access for program activation.
MacOSX
Minimum: MacOS "Yosemite" 10.10
ChessBase books: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
ChessBase video stream: Computer (iPad, Tablet, PC etc.), current browser, internet
Streaming: for iPad & tablet
Delivery: ChessBase book (digital) and Download
Buy Silence the Sicilian - Win with the Alapin Variation (2.c3) by Svitlana Demchenko
About Svitlana Demchenko

WIM Svitlana Demchenko, born 2003, is a Ukrainian-born Canadian chess player. She was a multiple-time Canadian Girls Champion and a two-time North American Girls Champion in different age categories. Svitlana has been a member of the Canadian Women’s Olympiad Team since 2018, and has represented Canada at the Women’s World Cup.
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