Alekhine: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative opening where Black lures White's center pawns forward, hoping to prove they are overextended and weak. In this Exchange Variation, White chooses to resolve the tension early by trading off the advanced e5-pawn, leading to a more open game with clear development paths for both sides.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and opens diagonal lines for both your queen and your light-squared bishop. You are inviting Black to respond, establishing a presence in the heart of the board from the very first move.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies with Nf6, starting the Alekhine Defense. Instead of defending the center with pawns like the Barnes Defense (f6) or the Borg (g5), Black uses a piece to create immediate pressure. You must now decide whether to protect the pawn or chase the knight away.

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

2. e5White · your move

Push your pawn to e5. By attacking the knight, you force Black to move the same piece again, gaining a space advantage in the process. This is the most principled response, asserting dominance in the center while Black's knight begins its journey across the board.

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

2... Nd5Black

Black moves the knight to d5, the standard reaction. Retreating to g8 (the Brooklyn Variation) is too passive, and Ne4 is a rare gambit. Now that the knight is centralized, White usually continues to build a big pawn center to restrict Black's remaining pieces.

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

3. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. You are building a classical pawn center that controls key squares and supports your e5-pawn. This move solidifies your space advantage and prepares your dark-squared bishop for action, daring Black to try and break your formation down.

Other paths here: Na3 (Alekhine Defense: Buckley Attack) · Nc3 (Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack) · c4 (Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack) · b3 (Alekhine Defense: Welling Variation)

3... d6Black

Black plays d6, the most common way to contest the center. Alternatives like the O'Sullivan Gambit (b5) or the Wall Variation (c5) are much riskier. By attacking e5, Black forces White to decide whether to defend the pawn or trade it away to open the position.

Other paths here: b5 (Alekhine Defense: O'Sullivan Gambit) · c5 (Wall Variation, Alekhine)

4. exd6White · your move

Capture the pawn on d6. By taking, you enter the Exchange Variation. This eliminates the tension in the center and prevents Black from maintaining a cramped but solid structure. It opens the e-file and leads to a game where piece activity and development speed become the primary focus.

Other paths here: c4 (Alekhine Defense) · Bc4 (Alekhine Defense: Balogh Variation) · Nf3 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation)

Where you stand

The center has opened up, and the game transitions into a battle of development. White enjoys a slight space advantage and easy development for the bishops. Black usually recaptures with the e-pawn to keep the structure solid, aiming to use the semi-open c-file and the well-placed knight on d5 to create counterplay against White's d4-pawn.

• g1-f3 Develop the knight to its natural square
• c7-d6 Recapture to restore the pawn balance
• f1-d3 Place the bishop on an active diagonal
• f8-e7 Prepare kingside castling and safe development
• c2-c4 Kick the knight and gain more space