Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Main Line

Before the first move

The Alekhine Defense is a provocative opening where Black lures White's pawns forward to create targets. In the Modern Variation, White avoids the overextended Four Pawns Attack, opting for solid development. Black's goal is to restrain the center and then strike back at the e5-pawn once White has committed their pieces.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move in chess. It immediately stakes a claim in the center and prepares for rapid development. While many players meet this with e5 or c5, the Alekhine Defense is a more psychological choice.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This is the signature move of the Alekhine Defense, immediately attacking the e4-pawn. You are daring White to push their pawn forward and chase your knight around the board.

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

2. e5White

White plays e5, accepting the challenge and kicking the knight. While White could defend with Nc3 or d3, those lines allow Black an easier game. The e5 push is the main test, forcing the knight to find a new home.

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. Even though it looks exposed, the knight is very powerful here, and White must spend more time and energy if they want to try and dislodge it further.

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

3. d4White

White plays d4, establishing a strong duo of central pawns. This is the Modern Variation. Other aggressive tries include the Two Pawns Attack with c4 or the Four Pawns Attack, but d4 is considered the most reliable and solid approach.

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

Push your pawn to d6. This is a vital strike against the head of White's pawn chain. You are challenging the e5-pawn immediately to ensure White doesn't get too comfortable with their space advantage.

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

4. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, opting for the Modern Variation's main line. Instead of capturing on d6 or pushing c4, White focuses on piece safety. This is a very flexible move that keeps the central tension high while preparing for kingside safety.

Other paths here: c4 (Alekhine Defense) · Bc4 (Alekhine Defense: Balogh Variation) · exd6 (Alekhine: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6)

4... Bg4Black · your move

Develop your bishop to g4. By pinning the knight to the queen, you put indirect pressure on the d4-pawn and prepare to trade if necessary to weaken White's control over the e5-square.

Other paths here: g6 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alburt Variation) · dxe5 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation) · Nc6 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen-Haakert Variation) · Nb6 (Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Schmid Variation)

Where you stand

The position is a strategic crossroads. White will likely play Be2 to break the pin and prepare castling, while Black aims to increase pressure on d4 or e5. Both sides have achieved their initial goals: White has a space advantage, and Black has active pieces ready to chip away at the center. The battle will revolve around whether White's center is a strength or a target.

• f1-e2 Develop the bishop to break the pin
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• d6-e5 Trade on e5 to open the center
• e7-e6 Solidify the d5 knight and open the bishop