Play With TheoryKing's Pawn Game · II. Semi-Open Game
Alekhine's Defense
The Alekhine's Defense epitomizes the style of hypermodern chess: Black will allow White to establish a formidable center by chasing the f6 knight around, hoping to later prove that White has overextended their pawns.
- Side
- black
Characteristics
- ✨ HypermodernAllows the opponent central space early, then aims to undermine that center with piece pressure.
- ⚔ TacticalSharp opening that creates concrete positions with immediate tactical demands.
- ⏳ TheoreticalNeeds concrete preparation, but not necessarily the extreme depth of the heaviest theory openings.
- 💎 UncommonLess common in practice, which can reduce opponent familiarity.
- 🍂 Very AttainableAppears extremely often relative to other openings, so practice opportunities are abundant.
Strategic guide
Plans and motifs
- After White has played Nf3, Black usually follows with the pin Bg4, temporarily immobilizing the piece responsible for defending White's center pawns on d4 and e5.
- The pawn push c4 is often a committal move for White, who may want to put a bishop on c4 instead.
- Black may get in serious trouble early on if White knows more theory.
- For example, White can quickly assemble a dangerous attack on f7 with moves such as Bc4, Nf3-Ng4, Qf3, and the pawn advance to e6.
Theory map
Common lines
- After main line 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6:
- After 4.c4 Nb6:
- 5.exd6 — Exchange Variation
- 5.f4 — Four Pawns Attack
- 4.Nf3 — Modern Variation