Alekhine Defense (for Black)

The Alekhine Defense (1.e4 Nf6) provokes White: the knight attacks the e4 pawn to invite it forward. White's pawns gain space, but they also become targets.

The principle

After the e5 push, the black knight relocates to the center. Black then attacks White's pawn chain with the d-pawn, to show that White's center is overextended.

The main line: the Modern Variation

2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Be7 7.c4 Nb6 8.h3 Bh5 9.Nc3 O-O. Black develops the c8 bishop before closing its diagonal, then castles: a solid position where White's center stays under pressure.

Main variations

• Larsen Variation: 4...dxe5 5.Nxe5 c6 6.Be2 Nd7 7.Nf3 g6 8.O-O Bg7. Black trades in the center at once and fianchettoes the bishop.
• Four Pawns Attack: 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3. White takes the whole center; Black undermines it with the pieces.
• Exchange Variation: 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 O-O. A calmer structure in which Black has healthy play.

Typical mistakes

With Black, making too many knight moves: every retreat gives White time. With White, pushing pawns without supporting them: an overextended pawn falls.

Coach's advice

The Alekhine suits players who like unbalanced positions. Remember the Modern Variation and the idea of attacking the center with the d-pawn. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Be7 7.c4 Nb6 8.h3 Bh5 9.Nc3 O-O