Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative opening where Black lures White's pawns forward to create targets. In the Two Pawns Attack, White immediately seizes space and harrasses the knight, leading to sharp, unbalanced positions where both sides fight for control of the center.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular starting move. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. While Black can meet this with traditional responses like e5 or c5, the Alekhine Defense offers a more psychological approach by inviting White's pawns to overextend.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the signature of the Alekhine Defense, immediately attacking the e4 pawn. You are daring White to push their pawn forward, hoping to eventually prove that their advanced center is a weakness rather than a strength.

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

2. e5White

White plays e5, the most principled response, gaining space and kicking your knight. This is the critical test of the Alekhine. While White could have defended with Nc3 or Nf3, they have chosen to take up the gauntlet and drive your knight further into their territory.

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 the central d5 square. This is the most active square for the knight, placing it in the heart of the board. While the Brooklyn Variation with Ng8 is a retreat, d5 keeps the pressure on White's center and prepares to challenge their pawn structure.

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

3. c4White

White plays c4, continuing the pursuit of your knight. This aggressive expansion characterizes the Two Pawns Attack. White is neglecting piece development to build a wall of pawns, while you must now find a safe retreat for your knight, typically to the b6 square.

Other paths here: Na3 (Alekhine Defense: Buckley Attack) · Nc3 (Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack) · b3 (Alekhine Defense: Welling Variation) · Bc4 (Alekhine: 3.Bc4)

Where you stand

The game is just beginning to heat up. White has a massive space advantage and will likely follow up with d4 to solidify the center. Black must strike back quickly with d6 or c5 to undermine the white pawns before White's development catches up to their spatial ambitions.

• d5-b6 Relocate the knight to a stable square
• d2-d4 Solidify the center with a third pawn
• d7-d6 Challenge the advanced e5 pawn immediately
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to support the center