Alapin Semen
Alapin Semen Zinovievich (7 November 1856, Wilna -21 August 1923, Heidelberg) -
Russian master, one of strongest chessplayers of Russia of the end 19 -
beginning 20 centuries.
The beginning of Alapin's chess way is connected to St. Petersburg. Still in
gimnasistic years he has paid on himself attention by original style of game,
and within study in institute of the engineers of means of communication was
put forward in group of the leading chess players of capital.
The first Alapin's performance in large tournament (St. Petersburg, 1978-79)
was marked by the large success: he has divided 1-2 places with Chigorin, but
has lost to him a resolute game for 1 prize. The debut on the international
arena (Frankfurt-on-Mein, 1887) has brought to him a rank of the master. Further
he participated in many international tournaments, from which is necessary to
note Manchester, 1890 - 7-9, Berlin, 1897 - 6-8, Vienna, 1898 -10, Monte-Carlo,
1901 -5. Alapin has won a match at Bardeleben (1893, + 3-1 = 1) and has played
draw with Schlechter (1899, + 1-1 = 4).
During all chess activity Alapin played in domestic competitions. He was
fifth in 4 All-Russia tournament, second - in 5, twice in 1906 won tournaments
of the strongest chess players of St. Petersburg, in 1907 has won a match at
Levitsky (+ 5 = 1). His last performance was participation in the All-Russia
tournament of the masters in St. Petersburg, 1913-14.
Alapin was one of the largest theorists of the time. As his name are named
developed by him a debut 1.e4 e5 2. Ne2, system in the Spanish opening (3. ...
Bb4), in the Sicilan defence to protection (2.c3), Evans gambit. Much oblige
to Alapin the theory of the French defence. He has much worked above defence
Mac-Catchon, has offered system 3.... Nc6 (after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3. Nc3), has
opened a move 7. Nb5 (after 1.e4 e6 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5 Be7 4.e5 Nfd7 5. Be7 Qe7)
and itself has specified protection against it 7... Kd8.
The debut ideas of Alapin reflected his sharp critical thinking. The theoretical
researches he illustrated by the made parties, where white player was
= Atakinsky =, and black player was = Defendarov =.
Alapin has got the large popularity as the journalist indefatigably
propagandizing chess art.
Chess dictionary,1964
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