1. 01 Introduction

Over the years, the c3 Sicilian, otherwise known as the Alapin Variation, has become increasingly popular not least because it avoids the reams of theory associated with Open Sicilians, but also because it offers White the opportunity to be flexible. Indeed, the positions that arise from this opening can be either tactical or positional and are therefore suitable for chess players of all strengths.

Utilised by some of the world's leading grandmasters such as Michael Adams and Sergei Tiviakov, the c3 Sicilian is the perfect opening for any player wishing to find a reliable and easy to learn system against the Sicilian Defence.

Follow International Master and former Irish Champion Sam Collins as he explains the fundamental principles and ideas behind this fascinating opening.

Part 1: DVD Introduction

• 1: Model Game: Motwani – Collins, British Championship 2003
• 2: Introductory Game: Filipovic – Jakoljevic, Teslic 2006
• 3: Introduction to 8...dxe5 9 d5 – Pawn Sacrifice
• 4: Theory A: 8...d5
• 5: Theory B: 8...dxe5 9.d5 Na5 10.Nc3 Nxb3
• 6: Theory C: 8...dxe5 9.d5 Na5 10.Nc3 f6
• 7: Theory D: 8...dxe5 9.d5 Na5 10.Nc3 Bg4

Part 2: 2...Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nf3

• 8: Introductory Game: Radjabov – Dominguez Perez, Linares 2009
• 9: Theory A: 7...Be7
• 10: Theory B: 7...Nb6

Part 3: 5...e6 6 cxd4 b6

• 11: Theory: 5...e6 6 cxd4 b6 7 Bd3
• Part 4: 2...d5 3 exd5 Qxd5 4 d4: Systems with ...Nf6
• 12: Introductory Game: Tiviakov – Idani, Fajr Open 2010
• 13: Theory: 4...Nf6 5 Nf3 Bg4
• 14: Introductory Game: Howell – Ringoir, Liverpool 2008
• 15: Theory: 4...Nf6 5 Nf3 e6 6 a3!

Part 5: 1 4…Nc6 5 Nf3

• 16: Introductory Game: Collins – Griffiths, Kilkenny 2009
• 17: Theory: 5...Bg4
• 18: Theory: 4...Nc6 5 Nf3 cxd4 6 cxd4 e5
• 19: Theory: 4...Nc6 5 Nf3 Nf6

Part 6: 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 g6

• 20: Introductory Game: Collins – Ivanisevic, Tromso 2010
• 21: Theory

Part 7: Other Defences: 2...d6

Part 8: Other Defences: 2...g6

Part 9: Other Defences: 2...e6

Part 10: Other 2nd moves for Black

Part 11: Move Orders

Part 12: Conclusion