Chess Openings Lab
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Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense

The Barmen Defense of the Alapin is 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5, where Black recaptures with the queen in the center. Because White's c3 pawn takes the c3 square from the knight, the queen on d5 is hard to chase, and Black aims for quick development while White builds with d4 and Nf3.

Moves
1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5
ECO
B22
Engine
+0.13 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
3,376 games in our lichess sample
White scores
53.4%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • 4.d4 claims the center; after ...Nf6 and Nf3, decide whether to trade on c5 for an early queen trade.
  • 4.Nf3 keeps the queen trade off the table, then d4, Be3 and Be2 give a calm setup.
  • 4.Na3 heads for b5 or c4, hitting the queen and the c7 square.
  • If Black takes on d4 later, recapture with the c-pawn for a d4 isolated pawn and active pieces.

Black

  • Develop with ...Nf6 and ...Nc6, keeping the queen on d5 as long as it is safe.
  • Pin the f3 knight with ...Bg4 to tie down a defender of d4 and make White decide about h3.
  • After dxc5, the queen trade on d1 leaves Black active with ...Bf5 and quick castling.
  • Use ...e6 and ...Be7 for a solid setup if White avoids the trade.

Plans and pawn structure

This position often turns into an isolated queen pawn structure for White after ...cxd4 and cxd4. White then uses the open lines and active pieces, aiming for d5 or a kingside attack with Bd3 and Qe2. Black blockades on d5 with pieces and pressures d4 with ...Nc6, ...Bg4 and the rooks. If White trades on c5 early, the game becomes an even queenless middlegame.

Where the engine's main line heads: White has doubled c-pawns. White's c-pawns are doubled, usually after ...Bxc3 bxc3. In return White keeps the bishop pair and a solid center.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.13: level. Its three top choices for White:

  1. +0.13 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.dxc5 Qxd1+
  2. +0.11 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.d4 Nf6 6.Be3 e6
  3. +0.08 4.Na3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.Bc4 Qd8

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

3,376 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 53.4%.

1200–159954.9%
1600–199953.2%
2000 and up53.4%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

Where it goes next

How to play against it

With White, 4.d4 or 4.Nf3 are both good choices. Avoid moving the queen early or wasting time chasing Black's queen with pawn moves. With Black, keep the queen centralized on d5 and develop fast, then hit d4 with ...Bg4 and ...Nc6.

Other lines with this name

The lichess opening list also files these lines under the same name, though they reach a different position: 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 g6 5.Nf3; 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5 4.d4 Nc6 5.Nf3.

Questions

What are the moves of the Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense?

The Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense starts 1.e4 c5 2.c3 d5 3.exd5 Qxd5. Its ECO code is B22.

Is the Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense good for Black?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.13 at depth 20, which is level. In 3,376 lichess games from our sample, White scored 53.4%. A solid choice for Black players who like simple development, while White can keep a small edge with careful play.

What is the main idea of the Sicilian Defense: Alapin Variation, Barmen Defense?

Black brings the queen to d5 where White's knight can't hit it from c3. The game often leads to an isolated d4 pawn for White and active piece play for both sides.

What should White play next?

The engine's first choice is d4, with Nf3 and Na3 close behind. 4.d4 claims the center and leaves Black to decide how to pressure it.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.