Alekhine Defense: Mokele Mbembe

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative choice where Black invites White to chase the knight around, hoping the White center becomes overextended and weak. In the rare Mokele Mbembe Variation, Black ignores the standard retreat to d5 and instead leaps forward into the heart of the White camp to create immediate chaos.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular starting move. By controlling d5 and f5, White sets a high bar for the opening struggle. While Black usually responds with e5 or c5, today we explore a more eccentric and challenging counter-system.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This immediately attacks the e4 pawn and dares White to push forward. You are inviting a fight for the center right away, rather than settling for more passive options like the French or Caro-Kann.

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

2. e5White

White plays e5, the most aggressive and principled response. By kicking the knight, White gains a significant space advantage. Black usually retreats the knight to d5 in the main line, but the Mokele Mbembe variation has a much more surprising idea in mind.

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

2... Ne4Black · your move

Leap your knight to e4. This is the Mokele Mbembe Variation, an extremely rare and tricky move. Instead of the standard retreat to d5, you plant your knight deep in White's territory, daring them to try and trap it while you prepare to strike back.

Other paths here: Ng8 (Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation) · Nd5 (Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation)

Where you stand

The position is sharp and unconventional. White should aim to solidify the center with d4 and challenge the knight on e4 with moves like d3 or Bd3. Black's plan involves supporting the knight with d5 or f5, aiming to turn the advanced e5 pawn into a target and disrupting White's coordination before they can complete development.

• d2-d4 Solidify the center and challenge the knight
• f1-d3 Directly attack the intruder on e4
• d7-d5 Support the knight and strike the center
• f7-f5 Reinforce the knight and challenge the e5 pawn