Alekhine Defense: Balogh Variation

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative choice where Black invites White's pawns forward to create targets. In the Balogh Variation, White develops the bishop to c4 early rather than pushing the c-pawn, aiming for rapid piece activity and direct pressure against your centralized knight on d5.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most common move in chess. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development. As the second player, you must now decide how to respond. While e5 and c5 are the most common replies, you are choosing a more asymmetrical and challenging path today.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the Alekhine Defense. You are immediately attacking the e4-pawn and inviting White to push it forward. Your goal is to lure the white pawns into a position where they become overextended and vulnerable to your future counterattacks.

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

2. e5White

White plays e5, gaining space and forcing your knight to move. This is the main line of the Alekhine. White could have played d3 to protect the pawn or Nc3 to develop, but pushing forward is the most aggressive way to test your opening choice and seize the initiative.

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 only active square for the knight after being kicked. From d5, your knight is a powerful blockading force, though it will soon face further harassment from White's pawns and pieces. You must be ready to pivot around the center.

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

3. d4White

White plays d4, establishing a strong presence in the center. This is a very common setup. White has many alternatives here, including the sharp Two Pawns Attack with c4 or the quieter Sämisch Attack with Nc3, but d4 remains the most solid way to support the advanced e5-pawn.

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 · your move

Challenge the center with d6. You must strike at the e5-pawn before White can fully consolidate. This move opens lines for your light-squared bishop and forces White to decide how to handle the tension in the center. It is more reliable than the O'Sullivan Gambit with b5.

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

4. Bc4White

White plays Bc4, the Balogh Variation. Instead of the Modern Variation with Nf3 or the Exchange Variation with exd6, White chooses to pressure your knight directly. You must now decide whether to defend the knight, move it to b6, or capture on e5 to resolve the central tension.

Other paths here: c4 (Alekhine Defense) · exd6 (Alekhine: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6) · Nf3 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation)

Where you stand

The position is dynamically balanced. White has a space advantage and active pieces, while Black has a solid structure and clear targets in the center. Black will likely move the knight to b6 to attack the c4-bishop, while White will look to castle and maintain the central pressure. Both sides must navigate the tension between the d6 and e5 pawns carefully.

• d5-b6 Move knight to b6 attacking the bishop
• c4-b3 Retreat bishop to b3 to stay active
• g1-f3 Develop knight to f3 to support e5
• c8-g4 Pin the f3-knight with your bishop