Alekhine Defense
Initial Moves: 1.e4 Nf6
Strategic Summary & Main Idea
Invented by World Champion Alexander Alekhine, the Alekhine Defense (1.e4 Nf6) provokes White's pawns forward with e5 and d4, aiming to overextend the enemy centre and turn it into a target.
Typical Plans for White
- The Four Pawns Attack (c4, d4, e5, f4), going for a crushing space advantage
- The Modern Variation with 4.Nf3, consolidating the pawns without creating weaknesses
- The Exchange Variation (4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6) to keep a solid structure
Typical Plans for Black
- Undermining White's pawn chain with ...d6 and ...c5
- Pressing the advanced e5 and d4 pawns with the minor pieces
- Simplifying towards endgames where the overextended white pawns drop off
Main Variations of the Alekhine Defense
| Variation | Move Sequence | Style / Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Variation | 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 |
The soundest and most respected line today |
| Four Pawns Attack | 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 |
Ultra-sharp and demanding precise calculation |
| Exchange Variation | 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6 |
A balanced structural battle |
Common Mistakes & Where Most Amateurs Go Wrong
- 01 Black running out of squares for the knight as the pawns chase it
- 02 White creating permanent weaknesses in the rush to evict the knight
- 03 Allowing White's central breaks before castling is finished
Practice the Alekhine Defense on the Interactive Board
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