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    Chess Openings

    Alekhine Defense

    1.e4 Nf6 · ECO B02

    Alekhine Defense position after 1.e4 Nf6. White: pawn on e4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on d2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on f6.

    Alekhine Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nf6. It is classified B02 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Alekhine Defense attacks the e4 pawn with the knight on move one, deliberately inviting White to chase it with pawns. Black's plan is that the advancing pawn centre will become overextended and can then be attacked at its base.

    This position can also be reached by 3 other move orders, including 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4.

    Strategic character

    Provocative by design. After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 White has an imposing centre and Black has spent moves on a single knight — the whole opening rests on whether that centre proves strong or loose.

    Who should play it

    Players who understand hypermodern ideas and want to take opponents out of familiar territory with Black.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 Nf6. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Alekhine Defense?
    The Alekhine Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nf6. It is classified B02 in the ECO system. The Alekhine Defense attacks the e4 pawn with the knight on move one, deliberately inviting White to chase it with pawns. Black's plan is that the advancing pawn centre will become overextended and can then be attacked at its base.
    What are the moves of the Alekhine Defense?
    1.e4 Nf6. After these moves it is white to move.
    Is the Alekhine Defense good for beginners?
    Players who understand hypermodern ideas and want to take opponents out of familiar territory with Black.
    What variations come from the Alekhine Defense?
    Named continuations include Alekhine Defense: Krejcik Variation, Alekhine Defense: Maróczy Variation, Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation, Alekhine Defense: Mokele Mbembe, Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation. There are 40 named variations reachable from this position in total.

    Study this opening