Alekhine Defense

Alekhine's Defense (1.e4 Nf6) is a provocative hypermodern reply to 1.e4. Black attacks e4 with the knight and invites White to chase it with pawns, planning to undermine the broad pawn centre that White builds along the way.

Origins

The opening is named after Alexander Alekhine, who introduced it at the 1921 Budapest tournament in games against Endre Steiner and Fritz Sämisch. Bobby Fischer used it twice against Boris Spassky in their 1972 world championship match, and Viktor Korchnoi's use of it enhanced its reputation. Lev Alburt played it almost exclusively at grandmaster level. Magnus Carlsen has used it occasionally, notably beating Veselin Topalov with it at Linares 2008.

The idea

After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6, White has a big centre and more space. Black's plan is to undermine and attack that centre later, in the spirit of hypermodern theory. From the very first move the position loses its symmetry and balance, which makes it a good choice for fighting players.

Main lines

• Modern Variation 4.Nf3: the most common line, in which White accepts a modest space advantage and expects to keep it.
• Four Pawns Attack 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4: White's most ambitious try, building an imposing pawn centre that Black must attack vigorously.
• Exchange Variation 5.exd6: less ambitious, with a modest space advantage for White.
• Two Pawns Attack 3.c4 Nb6 4.c5: ambitious but strategically questionable.
• Scandinavian Variation 2.Nc3 d5: an independent line where White avoids 2.e5.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Unbalanced positions from move one, with good winning chances for Black.
• Punishes White players who overextend their pawns.
• Many White players know it less well than the main defences.

Weaknesses

• Black gives White space and time. If the counterattack is too slow, Black gets squeezed.
• The Four Pawns Attack is sharp and requires precise knowledge.
• Less common at the top level than it used to be.

Who should play it

Alekhine's Defense suits counterattacking players who like provocative, unbalanced positions and understand how to attack a pawn centre. It is effective against aggressive players who push pawns without thinking about their weaknesses. It is least comfortable against calm opponents who choose the Modern Variation and keep a small, safe space advantage.

The numbers

The Lichess numbers change sharply with rating. Below 1400 White wins 52% and Black only 44%. From 1800 to 2200 Black is ahead, 49% against 46%. Above 2200 it is close, at 47% against 46%. In master games over the board, White wins 37%, Black 26% and 37% are drawn.