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Alekhine Defence
The Alekhine Defense is an aggressive and hypermodern opening for Black against 1.e4, characterized by the moves 1.e4 Nf6. Named after the fourth World Champion Alexander Alekhine, this defense encourages White to push pawns early, aiming to create weaknesses that Black can later exploit.Â
Basic Moves
e4 Nf6
White opens with the king's pawn, aiming for central control.
Black responds by developing the knight to f6, provoking White to advance the e-pawn.
1. Four Pawns Attack (4. c4)
An ambitious line where White aims to gain a broad pawn center.
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4
White grabs space in the center, preparing to build a strong pawn chain.
Main Lines:
5...dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6
Black aims to undermine White's center.
7. Be3 Bf5 8. Nc3 e6
Black continues development and prepares to challenge White's center with ...c5.
5...Bf5
Black develops the bishop to an active square, attacking the c4 pawn.
6. Nc3 e6 7. Nf3 Nc6
Both sides continue their development.
2. Exchange Variation (4. exd6)
White aims to simplify the position early.
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. exd6
White exchanges pawns, aiming for a simpler position.
Main Lines:
4...exd6 5. Nf3 Be7
Black recaptures and develops pieces naturally.
6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O Nc6
Both sides complete development and prepare for the middlegame.
4...Qxd6 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. Be2 Bg4
Black develops pieces actively, with the queen centralized early.
3. Modern Variation (4. Nf3)
A flexible and solid approach from White.
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3
White develops the knight, supporting the center and preparing to recapture on e5.
Main Lines:
4...Bg4 5. Be2 e6
Black pins the knight and prepares to challenge the center.
6. O-O Be7 7. h3 Bh5
White forces the bishop to make a decision, and Black maintains the pin.
4...dxe5 5. Nxe5 c6 6. Be2 Nd7
Black challenges the knight on e5 and prepares to develop pieces.
4. Chase Variation (3. c4)
White immediately harasses the knight.
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. d4 d6 5. exd6 exd6
White gains space and forces the knight to move again.
Main Lines:
6. Nc3 Be7 7. Be3 O-O
White develops actively, and Black completes development.
6. Be3 g6 7. Nc3 Bg7
Black prepares to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop, aiming for counterplay.
Provocation and Counterattack:
Black's strategy in the Alekhine Defense is to provoke White into overextending the pawns and then counterattack the resulting weaknesses.
Piece Development:
Black aims to develop pieces to active squares, often targeting the central pawns that White has pushed forward.
Central Control and Breaks:
Key pawn breaks for Black include ...d6 and ...c5, aiming to challenge White's center and open lines for the pieces.
Space Advantage:
White often gains a large amount of space in the center, which can be used to restrict Black's pieces.
Development and King Safety:
White aims to complete development quickly, often by castling kingside and connecting the rooks.
Attack on Black's King:
Utilizing the space advantage, White can launch attacks on Black's king, especially if Black's pawn structure is compromised.
Undermining White's Center:
Black focuses on attacking White's overextended pawns, often using moves like ...d6, ...c5, and ...f6.
Piece Activity:
Developing pieces to active squares to create counterplay, especially targeting the weakened squares in White's camp.
Counterattack:
Using the hypermodern approach, Black often waits for the right moment to counterattack the center and exploit White's weaknesses.
Central Tension:
The fight for control over the central squares is a key theme, with both sides aiming to maintain or undermine the center.
Piece Coordination:
Effective coordination of pieces is crucial for both sides, especially for Black to create counterplay.
Exploiting Weaknesses:
Black aims to exploit the weaknesses created by White's overextended pawns, while White tries to utilize the space advantage to launch attacks.
The Alekhine Defense is a dynamic and provocative opening that offers rich possibilities for both sides. Mastery of its various lines and understanding the underlying principles can lead to successful and exciting games.
