Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative hypermodern opening where Black invites White's pawns forward to create a large center. Your goal as Black is to prove these pawns are overextended and eventually break them down, while White aims to use that space to crush your position.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular starting move. By occupying the center, White prepares to develop pieces quickly. While Black usually responds with e5 or c5, the Alekhine Defense is a sharp alternative that immediately challenges White's central control.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This move immediately attacks the e4 pawn, forcing White to decide how to defend it. You are inviting White to push their pawns forward, which is the fundamental idea behind this provocative defense.

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 the knight. This is the main line, though White can choose the Scandinavian Variation with Nc3 or the Maróczy Variation with d3 to avoid the main theoretical battles of the Alekhine.

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

2... Nd5Black · your move

Move your knight to d5. This centralizes your piece and places it on a powerful outpost. From here, the knight is difficult to dislodge without White creating further pawn weaknesses, which is exactly what you want to provoke.

Other paths here: Ng8 (Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation) · Ne4 (Alekhine Defense: Mokele Mbembe)

Where you stand

White now usually plays d4 or c4 to further challenge the knight and solidify the center. Black will look to strike back with d6 or c5 to undermine White's pawn chain. Both sides must be careful: White's space is a weapon, but if those pawns fall, Black's pieces will dominate.

• c2-c4 Kick the knight and gain more space
• d2-d4 Solidify the center and support e5
• d7-d6 Challenge the e5 pawn immediately
• d5-b6 Relocate the knight if attacked by pawns