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    Chess Openings

    Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit

    1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5 · ECO B02

    Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit position after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5. White: pawn on c5, pawn on e5, bishop on g5, pawn on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, 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 e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on d6.

    Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5. It is classified B02 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black 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.

    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.

    This line is a variation within the Alekhine Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit?
    The Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5. 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: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit?
    1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 d6 7.Bg5. After these moves it is black to move.
    Is the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit good for beginners?
    Players who understand hypermodern ideas and want to take opponents out of familiar territory with Black.

    Study this opening