Tree path 6 levels Catalan Opening › Catalan Opening › Closed › Catalan Opening: Open Defense › Catalan Opening: Open Defense › Alekhine Variation

E03

Catalan Opening: Open Defense, Alekhine Variation

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Overview

Catalan Opening: Open Defense, Alekhine Variation is a specific line in the Indian Defenses family (ECO E03), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Indian Defenses group covers Indian defences — hypermodern lines where Black challenges the centre with pieces rather than pawns.

It begins with 13 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 a6 7. Qc2 to reach the canonical position.

The line refines Catalan Opening: Open Defense, which traces back to the root opening Catalan Opening.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code: E03
Group: Indian Defenses (E)
Plies: 13
Parent: Catalan Opening: Open Defense

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

547 games · White 42.2% / Draw 11.0% / Black 46.8%

Moves	Games	W / D / B
c5	385
Rb8	90
Be7	33
Ra7	11
Bb4+	10
Bd6	8
c6	4
b5	4

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:52:48

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