Alekhine Defense

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative hypermodern opening where Black lures White's center pawns forward to create targets. White gains a massive space advantage early on, while Black hopes to undermine that overextended center later with well-timed pawn breaks like d6 or c5.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular starting move. By controlling d5 and f5, White invites an open game. While Black often responds with e5 or c5, today we explore a more eccentric and challenging reply.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. You are immediately attacking the e4 pawn, forcing White to decide whether to defend it or push it forward. This is the hallmark of the Alekhine 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 gaining space. While White could defend with Nc3 or d3, the advance is the most critical test. This forces your knight to find a new home immediately.

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 is the most active square for your knight, placing it right in the heart of the board where it can influence both wings and prepare for future pawn breaks.

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

3. d4White

White plays d4, establishing a formidable central duo. White had many choices here, including the aggressive Two Pawns Attack with c4 or the Buckley Attack with Na3. Now, you must decide how to begin chipping away at this massive structure.

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

Where you stand

The battle lines are drawn. White has a powerful center and more space, while Black has successfully lured the pawns forward and is ready to strike back with d6. White will likely continue with c4 to further harass the knight, while Black must focus on rapid development to ensure the king reaches safety before the center collapses.

• d7-d6 Challenge the e5 pawn immediately
• c2-c4 Kick the knight from its central outpost
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and support the center
• c8-g4 Pin the knight to increase pressure