The Alekhine Defense is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 Nf6. It was named after the Russian chess player Alexander Alekhine, who first used the opening in the early 20th century. The Alekhine Defense is a hypermodern opening, which means that Black allows White to occupy the center with pawns and then attacks it from the sides with his pieces. The opening is considered to be a sharp and aggressive response to 1.e4, and it is popular among players who enjoy playing unorthodox and unpredictable chess.

The main idea behind the Alekhine Defense is to attack the center from the sides with pieces, rather than contesting it directly with pawns. Black’s knight on f6 attacks White’s e4-pawn, and puts pressure on White’s position from the very beginning of the game. The opening can lead to complex and tactical positions, where both sides have chances to win. The Alekhine Defense is not as popular as other responses to 1.e4, such as the Sicilian Defense or the French Defense, but it has been played successfully by many top players over the years.

Variations

1. Modern Variation

The Modern Variation of the Alekhine Defense is a popular choice among players looking to get the most out of this dynamic opening. It arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3, with Black’s knight now placed on d5. This move is designed to put immediate pressure on White’s e-pawn, and it also prepares to advance Black’s d-pawn to challenge White’s central control.

Black’s plan in the Modern Variation is to play dynamically and create imbalances on the board. Black will often look to expand on the queenside with moves like …c5 or …a6, while keeping White’s central pawns under pressure. This can create tactical opportunities for Black to use their active pieces to attack White’s position.

One key idea for White in the Modern Variation is to maintain their central pawn structure with moves like f3 and e4, in order to limit Black’s counterplay. However, if White overextends their pawns or allows Black to take control of the center, they can quickly find themselves in trouble. The Modern Variation is a complex and exciting opening that rewards creativity and tactical skill.

2. Four Pawns Attack

The Four Pawns Attack Variation is one of the most aggressive and sharp lines against the Alekhine Defense. This variation starts with 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 c5 7.d5. White aims to control the center with the four pawns and create a strong pawn chain. However, this comes at a cost of weakening the kingside and providing Black with targets to attack.

Black has several ways to respond to the Four Pawns Attack Variation. One common approach is 7…e6, which challenges White’s center and seeks to open lines for Black’s pieces. Another option is 7…g6, which prepares to fianchetto the bishop on g7 and control the long diagonal. Alternatively, Black can play 7…Bf5, which develops the bishop and prepares to castle. The Four Pawns Attack Variation is a double-edged line that requires careful calculation and tactical awareness from both sides.

3. Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation of the Alekhine Defense arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6. In this variation, white exchanges their d-pawn for black’s knight, which changes the pawn structure and dynamics of the game.

The Exchange Variation is often played as a solid and safe option for white, with the goal of simplifying the position and gaining a slight advantage in the endgame. However, it is not considered to be particularly ambitious or aggressive, and black has several ways to equalize the game.

One common continuation for black is 5…cxd6, followed by developing their pieces and aiming for a solid position. Another option is 5…exd6, which leads to a more open position with potential for active play by both sides. Black can also try to avoid the Exchange Variation altogether by playing 4…dxe5, which is known as the Four Pawns Attack. Overall, the Exchange Variation is a viable option for white, but requires careful play to maintain any advantage gained from the opening.

4. Two Knights Variation

The Two Knights Variation of the Alekhine Defense is one of the sharpest and most aggressive lines for both sides in the opening. It arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.exd5 Nxd5 4.Nf3. Black’s knight on f6 attacks white’s pawn on e4, and white defends it with the knight on c3, while black takes control of the center with the move d5. White responds by capturing on d5 with the pawn, and black recaptures with the knight. Finally, white develops the knight to f3, attacking the black knight on d5 and reinforcing the pawn on e4.

In this variation, white has an extra pawn in the center, but black’s active pieces and attacking chances compensate for this. Black can immediately attack the pawn on e4 with moves like 4…Bg4 or 4…c6, or continue developing with moves like 4…Nc6 or 4…g6. White, on the other hand, can try to maintain control of the center with moves like 5.d4 or 5.Be2, or look to castle and use their pawn center to launch a kingside attack. The Two Knights Variation is a complex and tactical opening that requires accurate play from both sides.

5. Chase Variation

The Chase Variation of the Alekhine Defense is a rare but aggressive line that aims to quickly take control of the center and put pressure on White’s position. It arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 Ne4 4.Nge2.

In this variation, Black sacrifices a pawn to gain a lead in development and open up lines for their pieces. After 4…Nxc3 5.dxc3, Black typically plays 5…Bg4, attacking White’s knight on e2 and preparing to castle kingside.

White must be careful not to allow Black’s pieces to become too active, as the open lines can quickly turn into an attack on the kingside. The variation is named after the American chess player Walter Penn Shipley Chase, who was a strong proponent of the Alekhine Defense and used this variation frequently in his games.

Overall, the Chase Variation is not as popular as some other lines of the Alekhine Defense, but it can be a surprise weapon for Black and can lead to exciting and dynamic play.

6. Brooklyn Variation

The Brooklyn Variation of the Alekhine Defense is a rarely played variation that occurs after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5 5.Nxe5 c6. The name “Brooklyn” comes from the fact that this variation was first played in a correspondence game between two players from Brooklyn, New York in the 1930s.

In this variation, Black aims to control the central squares and put pressure on White’s e-pawn. The move 5…c6 prevents White’s knight from hopping to the c5-square, which can be an annoying outpost for the knight. Black’s plan is to develop the knight to d7 and the bishop to e6, putting pressure on the e5-pawn.

The Brooklyn Variation is not as popular as some other variations of the Alekhine Defense, but it can be a good surprise weapon for players who want to avoid well-trodden paths. It can also be a useful way to avoid some of the sharper lines in the Alekhine Defense.

7. Maroczy Variation

The Maroczy Variation of the Alekhine Defense arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.d3. This system is named after Hungarian Grandmaster Géza Maróczy, who was known for his positional and strategic skills. The Maroczy Variation is characterized by White’s pawn structure with pawns on e4 and d3, which can make it difficult for Black to establish a pawn center.

In the Maroczy Variation, White aims to control the center with his pawns, while Black seeks to counterattack with moves like …d5 and …e5. One of Black’s key ideas is to target White’s d-pawn with moves like …Qc7 and …Rd8, putting pressure on White’s center. White, on the other hand, often tries to build up an attack on the kingside by castling kingside and launching a pawn storm with f4-f5.

The Maroczy Variation is a flexible system for White, as he can choose to play either d3 or d4 depending on the position. It can lead to complex and dynamic positions with chances for both sides.

8. Knight’s Tour Variation

The Knight’s Tour Variation of the Alekhine Defense is a rare line that arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5 5.Nxe5 Nd7. The name “Knight’s Tour” refers to the knight’s movement, which is reminiscent of the knight’s tour puzzle where the knight visits every square of a chessboard exactly once.

In this variation, Black sacrifices a pawn in order to gain time and provoke White’s knight to move again, disrupting White’s development. After 6.Nxf7, Black recaptures with 6…Kxf7 and attacks the white king. The game can continue with 7.Qh5+ Ke6, where Black’s king is exposed but can often find safety on the queenside. Another possibility for White is 7.Bc4, threatening the knight on d5 and putting pressure on Black’s position.

The Knight’s Tour Variation is considered somewhat risky for Black, as it requires precise calculation and can lead to a cramped and exposed position if White plays accurately. However, it can also be a surprise weapon against opponents who are not familiar with it.

9. O’Sullivan Gambit

The O’Sullivan Gambit is a relatively uncommon opening in the Alekhine Defense. It arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nxd5 exd5 7.Nf3!?!. Here, White is giving up a pawn on move 5, but gains a strong center and development in return. This gambit is named after the Irish chess player John O’Sullivan, who played it in a number of games in the 1980s and 1990s.

Black can accept the gambit with 7…d6, but this leads to a very sharp and complex position after 8.exd6 cxd6 9.Bb5+ Nc6 10.Qe2+ Qe7 11.cxd6 Qxe2+ 12.Kxe2 Bxd6. Instead, Black can decline the gambit with moves like 7…Nc6 or 7…d6, but these moves don’t challenge White’s strong central pawn structure. The O’Sullivan Gambit is not often played at the top levels of chess, but it can be a surprise weapon for White and can lead to interesting and unbalanced positions.

10. Balogh Variation

The Balogh Variation is an often unused line in the Alekhine Defense, named after Hungarian chess player, Gyula Balogh. It arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.d5 exd5 11.cxd5 Nb4.

Black has accepted the pawn sacrifice with 5…dxe5, leading to a pawn structure where White has a pawn on d4 and Black has two pawns on d6 and c6. In the Balogh Variation, Black continues with the aggressive Nb4, attacking both the pawn on d5 and the knight on c3, which supports it.

White can choose to defend the d5-pawn with 12.Nd4 or 12.Qd2, or to give up the pawn with 12.Qxd5 Nxd5 13.Bd4. If White chooses to defend the pawn, Black can continue with 12…Bh4+ 13.g3 Be7, putting pressure on the d4-knight and forcing it to retreat. Black can then follow up with moves like …c5 or …Qd7, putting pressure on White’s pawn center and attempting to gain counterplay. The Balogh Variation is a sharp line that requires accurate play from both sides.

11. Schmid Variation

The Schmid Variation of the Alekhine Defense is also a relatively uncommon line that arises after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5 5.Nxe5. Instead of the more common 5…c6 or 5…Nd7, Black plays 5…Nc6, which leads to a position with a sharp tactical nature.

The Schmid Variation is named after German chess player Lothar Schmid, who played it against Bobby Fischer in a famous game in 1970. In that game, Fischer tried to gain a positional advantage, but Schmid was able to create counterplay and eventually won a tactical battle.

The Schmid Variation is often seen as an interesting alternative for players who want to avoid more heavily analyzed lines of the Alekhine Defense, such as the Four Pawns Attack or the Exchange Variation. However, the line is considered to be somewhat risky for Black, as it leads to a complex and tactical position where one misstep could be fatal.

12. Three Pawns Attack

The Three Pawns Attack is a variation in the Alekhine Defense that occurs after the moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 c5 7.d5. This variation is known for the pawn push on the kingside, which can create a dangerous pawn storm that can potentially lead to a devastating attack against Black’s king.

The idea behind the Three Pawns Attack is to gain space and control over the center while also creating potential weaknesses in Black’s pawn structure. Black has several options in response to the Three Pawns Attack, including 7…Bf5, 7…g6, and 7…e6. Each of these moves has its own advantages and drawbacks and leads to different types of positions. In general, Black will try to counterattack on the queenside while trying to hold off White’s pawn storm on the kingside. The Three Pawns Attack is a sharp and aggressive variation that requires accurate play from both sides.

Notable Games

Here are some notable games featuring the Alekhine Defense:

1. Alekhine vs. Yates (1922)

This game is considered a classic of the Alekhine Defense, with Alekhine himself playing black. In the game, Alekhine demonstrates how the opening can be used to launch a successful counterattack against white’s pawn structure.

2. Fischer vs. Larsen (1971)

This game is a famous example of the Four Pawns Attack variation of the Alekhine Defense. Fischer, playing white, sacrifices a pawn in order to gain a strong positional advantage and eventually win the game.

3. Carlsen vs. Anand (2013)

In this game, Carlsen plays the modern variation of the Alekhine Defense as black and demonstrates its effectiveness against Anand’s opening choices. The game ends in a draw, but it is considered a high-level example of how the Alekhine Defense can be used at the highest levels of play.

4. Karpov vs. Kasparov (1985)

This game features the exchange variation of the Alekhine Defense, with Kasparov playing black. The game is notable for its complex tactical play and the skillful maneuvering of both players.

Conclusion

The Alekhine Defense is a sharp and aggressive opening that can lead to dynamic and complicated positions. It is an excellent choice for players who enjoy unbalancing the game and aiming for the initiative. With many different variations and lines, the Alekhine Defense allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility in a player’s opening repertoire.

One of the drawbacks of the Alekhine Defense is that it can be risky if not played with precision, as White can easily gain a strong central pawn structure and control of the center. Additionally, some variations can lead to a cramped and uncomfortable position for Black if not played accurately. However, with proper preparation and understanding of the various lines, the Alekhine Defense can be a formidable weapon for Black in the hands of an experienced player.