Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative choice where Black invites White to chase the knight across the board. In the Scandinavian Variation, White declines the main line chase with 2.Nc3, leading to a central confrontation where you immediately challenge the e4-pawn with your d-pawn, creating a dynamic and open struggle.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most popular move in chess. By occupying the center and freeing two pieces, White asks you how you intend to respond. While many players choose 1...e5 or the Sicilian with 1...c5, the Alekhine Defense with 1...Nf6 is a sharp, hypermodern alternative that challenges White's central control immediately.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the hallmark of the Alekhine Defense, immediately attacking the e4-pawn and daring White to push it forward. You are tempting White to overextend their center early on so that you can later undermine and counterattack their advanced pawn structure.

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

2. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, choosing the Scandinavian Variation. Rather than pushing the e-pawn to e5 or defending it with d3 in the Maroczy Variation, White simply develops a piece and protects the center. This invites a direct central break, as Black will almost certainly strike back with the d5-pawn push immediately.

Other paths here: Nf3 (John Tracy Gambit) · Bc4 (Alekhine Defense: Krejcik Variation) · d3 (Alekhine Defense: Maróczy Variation) · e5 (Alekhine: 2.e5)

2... d5Black · your move

Strike at the center with d5. This move creates immediate tension against the e4-pawn and utilizes your knight on f6 to maintain pressure. You are challenging White's setup and forcing a decision: will they capture your pawn, push past it to e5, or continue developing while maintaining the tension?

Where you stand

The position is balanced but full of tension. If White pushes e5, Black will maneuver the knight to d7 and prepare the c5 break to pressure the white center. If White captures on d5, the game simplifies into an open battle where both sides have clear development paths. Watch for the tactical interplay around the d5 and e4 squares as both sides fight for central dominance.

• f6-d7 Relocate knight if White pushes e5
• c7-c5 Strike at the center with c5
• g1-f3 Develop the kingside knight naturally
• d2-d4 Support the center with d4