Alekhine's Defence

ECO B02–B05 · Level: Intermediate

Alekhine's Defence (1.e4 Nf6) provokes White's pawns forward and then attacks them. It is a provocative, hypermodern defence.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3

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History

World champion Alexander Alekhine made it famous in 1921, and Fischer used it in his 1972 world championship match.

White's plan

  • Gain lots of space with central pawns (e5, d4, c4, f4).
  • But avoid overextending and leaving weaknesses.

Black's plan

  • The knight is chased, but the advanced pawns become targets.
  • Attack White's pawn centre with ...d6 and ...g6.

Key variations

Exchange Variation

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 cxd6

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Who should play it?

For Black players who like to unsettle opponents and enjoy unusual positions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alekhine's Defence risky?

It concedes a lot of space; if Black fails to strike the centre in time, it can get cramped.

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Related openings

  • Scandinavian Defence — The Scandinavian Defence (1.e4 d5) challenges the centre on move one.
  • Pirc Defence — The Pirc Defence cedes the centre to White, fianchettoes the bishop on g7 and attacks the centre later.

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