Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation

Before the first move

The Brooklyn Variation of the Alekhine Defense is a provocative and psychological choice. Black lures the white pawn forward, then retreats the knight all the way home to its starting square. While White gains space and a development lead, Black aims to prove that the advanced e5-pawn is a target that overextends White's position.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most common opening move in chess. By occupying the center and freeing two pieces, White sets a direct challenge. You can respond with classical moves like e5 or c5, but today we are exploring the Alekhine Defense which begins with a more provocative knight jump.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This immediately attacks the e4-pawn and forces White to make a decision about the center. Unlike the Barnes Defense with f6 or the Scandinavian with d5, you are using a piece to pressure the pawn while keeping your pawn structure flexible.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. e5White

White plays e5, accepting the challenge and kicking your knight. This is the main line of the Alekhine, though White sometimes tries the Scandinavian Variation with Nc3 or the Maróczy with d3. By advancing, White claims a spatial advantage and restricts your kingside development for the time being.

Other paths here: Nf3 (John Tracy Gambit) · Bc4 (Alekhine Defense: Krejcik Variation) · d3 (Alekhine Defense: Maróczy Variation) · Nc3 (Alekhine: Scandinavian Variation)

2... Ng8Black · your move

Retreat your knight to g8. This is the surprising Brooklyn Variation. Instead of the standard Nd5 or the wild Mokele Mbembe with Ne4, you return to the starting square. Your goal is to show that White's e5-pawn is now a weakness that can be attacked with d6 and Nc6.

Other paths here: Ne4 (Alekhine Defense: Mokele Mbembe) · Nd5 (Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation)

Where you stand

The position is highly unusual. White has a clear space advantage and a pawn on e5, but Black's position is rock solid with no weaknesses. White should continue with d4 and Nf3 to solidify the center, while Black will look to strike back immediately with d6 and Nc6 to challenge the overextended e-pawn.

• d2-d4 Occupy the center and support e5
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to a natural square
• d7-d6 Challenge the advanced e5-pawn immediately
• b8-c6 Develop the knight to pressure d4 and e5