Difficult question: How to obtain compensation in this (bad!?) and rare Sicilian Alapin line

10. ... Bd7 ist the most played theory move, 220 games in the database.

Yesterday I had to face the rarely 11. Bxd5 which has been played three times before (3x 0:1). I had memorized it as "close to losing". Things are not that easy though. I played two "natural" moves and I was worse.

How to proceed?

12... Nd4
13. Qe4 Bc6
14 Qe2 Bxf3. Is one line, he has to recapture with his pawn (because 15 Qxf3? Nc2) and you can play against a weaker king weaker pawn structure and less active pieces for the price of 1 pawn.

12... Nb4 @Sarg0n

Btw, I played 12. ... Nb4 and after my next natural move I was worse...

12 Nb4 Qe4 b5 Qe2 Bf5 Ne1 and getting that pawn back with Nxa2 followed by Bxb1

@Sarg0n What was the game continuation

12. ... Nb4! 13.Qe4! Bb5?? and Black was significantly worse.

Parting with the coveted Bishop Bd7-c6-f3 was the only road to equality I suppose.

You are right @Sarg0n really hard to punish your opponent in this position.

if i were you i would play Be6. Because Nb4 looks doing something but i guess it's not

12. ... Nb4
a) 13.Qe4 Bc6 14.Qe2 Bxf3 15.gxf3 looks good for Black imo. I tried some lines and 15. ... Qb6 with the idea ->g6 looking at c2 seems playable. But as this exceeds five moves I would not trust my analysis.
b) 13.Qb3 dxe5 (protects Nb4) 14.a3 (Bf5 is else a threat) and now I would check any analysis with an engine. :) Bishop pair in an open position looks like good prospects. 14. ... Be6 15.Qd1 e4. If this is possible the black position should be a little easier to handle.

Yeah, not that trivial.

A hidden double-attack 15. ... Qb6! attacking d4 and preparing Qg6+ & Nc2. Black is a bit better after