Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation

Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation

Definition

The Alekhine Defense, Modern Variation is a branch of the hyper-modern opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 g6. In this set-up Black invites White to advance the e-pawn early, then undermines White’s expanded center with fianchetto pressure from the kingside bishop on g7. ECO codes usually list the Modern Variation under B04 or B05.

Typical Move Order

A standard sequence runs:

• 1. e4 Nf6  – Alekhine Defense.
• 2. e5 Nd5  – Black tempts the e-pawn forward.
• 3. d4 d6  – Striking at White’s pawn chain.
• 4. Nf3 g6  – The signature move of the “Modern” set-up, preparing …Bg7.
• 5. c4 Nb6 6. exd6 cxd6  – A common continuation leaving Black with an impressively long-range bishop and a solid though slightly cramped structure.

Strategic Themes

• Hyper-modern counterplay: Black allows White to occupy the center, then attacks it with piece pressure from the wings (…Bg7, …Nc6, …Bg4 or …Bg7, …0-0, …c5).
• Flexible pawn breaks: Black may look for …e5 or …c5 later. White usually tries to consolidate with c4, f4, Be2, 0-0 and sometimes challenge with d5.
• Bishop on g7: The fianchetto bishop puts long-term pressure on d4 and often influences the h8–a1 diagonal.
• Imbalances: After 6.exd6 cxd6 Black accepts an isolated d-pawn or an IQP-style structure in exchange for activity; alternatively, Black can recapture with the e-pawn (…exd6) to keep a more solid center.

Historical Significance

The parent opening is named after the fourth World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, who famously played 1…Nf6 against Endre Steiner in Budapest 1921. The Modern treatment with …g6 gained popularity in the mid-20th century through the games of grandmasters such as Vassily Smyslov and Bent Larsen. It has since been tested at the highest level: players ranging from Bobby Fischer and Viktor Korchnoi to modern stars like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura have experimented with it when seeking sharp, off-beat counterplay.

Illustrative Example

Model game fragment (wide-spread tabiya):

After 10…Nc6 Black is ready for …Bg4 or …e5, while White must decide whether to stabilize with Be3 & Rc1 or seize space with d5. The diagram illustrates the central tension and the power of the g7-bishop.

Famous Games Featuring the Line

• Smyslov – Keres, Zürich Candidates 1953: A classical demonstration of Black’s dynamic resources. Smyslov’s enterprising pawn sacrifice led to lively play, but Keres neutralized it and eventually won an endgame with bishop pair vs. knight pair.
• Fischer – Gligorić, Bled 1961: Fischer employed 1…Nf6 with …g6 to surprise the seasoned Yugoslav GM, drawing a tense struggle that highlighted Black’s kingside pressure.
• Carlsen – Nakamura, London Classic Blitz 2014: A modern, high-speed example. Nakamura’s thematic …c5 break showed how Black can pounce on an over-extended white center even in a rapid time-control.

Typical Plans for Each Side

1. White
   • Build a broad pawn center with c4 & f4.
   • Exchange Black’s g7-bishop to soften kingside dark squares.
   • Advance d5 to clamp down on Black’s pieces if the moment is right.
2. Black
   • Pressure d4 with pieces, forcing concessions.
   • Undermine via …c5 or …e5; sometimes …dxe5 first.
   • Seek piece activity and tactical shots against an over-extended center.

Common Tactical Motifs

• …Bg4 pin: When White’s knight sits on f3 and queen on d1, the pin can create threats on d4 and e5.
• Exchange sacrifice on c4: Black may play …Nxc4 or …Bxc4 followed by …Rc8 to rip open lines against White’s king.
• Forks with …Nb4: After c4 White must guard d3 & c2 against a disruptive knight jump.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The move 4…g6 was once considered dubious because it allowed White to chase the Nb6 with a timely a4-a5. Modern engines, however, uphold its soundness.
• Alexander Alekhine reportedly introduced the defense in casual games years before unveiling it in tournament play, keeping it as a surprise weapon.
• In the 1978 Karpov–Korchnoi World Championship match, Korchnoi used the Alekhine (though not always the Modern Variation) to avoid Karpov’s deep preparation in the Queen’s Gambit.
• The French word for the opening, “Défense Alekhine,” is sometimes mis-pronounced “A-lek-keen” instead of the correct “A-lay-khin.”

Why Choose the Modern Variation?

Practical players like its surprise value: it rarely appears in club opening books, yet it is objectively robust. It also produces asymmetrical pawn structures, maximizing winning chances and avoiding early simplifications common in, say, the Petroff Defense.

Further Study Recommendations

• Review annotated games by Larsen, Korchnoi, and Nakamura.
• Explore the DVD or database material by grandmaster and Alekhine expert Sergei Tiviakov.
• Play training games starting from the tabiya after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.c4 Nb6 6.exd6 cxd6.