Alekhine Defense: Krejcik Variation

Alekhine Defense: Krejcik Variation

Definition

The Krejcik Variation is an off-beat but thematic line in the Alekhine Defense that begins with the moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Bc4 !? (ECO code B02). Named after the imaginative Austrian master Josef Krejcik (1885-1957), the variation departs from the main lines by developing the king’s-bishop aggressively to c4, eyeing the sensitive f7-square and inviting early tactical play.

Typical Move Order

A representative sequence illustrating the set-up:

1. e4 Nf6
2. e5 Nd5
3. d4 d6
4. Bc4 !? dxe5 (most common)
5. dxe5 e6
6. Nf3 Be7 (or …Nc6)

Other replies for Black at move 4 include 4…Nb6, 4…e6, or 4…c6, each leading to distinct middlegame structures.

Strategic Ideas

• For White
  • Put immediate pressure on f7 with Bc4, often followed by Qf3/Qh5 or sacrifices on f7.
  • Create a broad center with e5 and d4 while keeping pieces active rather than holding on to the pawn structure.
  • If Black exchanges on e5, recapture with the pawn to gain space and open lines for the bishops.
  • Maintain tactical alertness—many positions feature sacrifices on e6, f7, or d5, mirroring themes from the Italian Game.
• For Black
  • Challenge the white center promptly with …dxe5 or …Nb6 and later …c5.
  • Complete development safely—…e6, …Be7, …0-0, and only then start counterplay.
  • Exploit the fact that the bishop on c4 can become a tactical target after …Nb6 or …d5.
  • If White over-extends, strike in the center with breaks such as …c5 or …f6.

Historical Background

Josef Krejcik was celebrated for sparkling attacking games and numerous off-beat opening ideas. His treatment of Alekhine’s Defense embodied the same spirit—eschewing the slow, “harass-the-knight” approach in favor of quick piece activity. Though the line has never been a mainstay of elite practice, it attracted notable adherents in the pre-war era, including Savielly Tartakower and Rudolf Spielmann, who shared Krejcik’s romantic style.

Model Game

The following miniature shows the dangers Black can face if careless:

White’s centralized queen, active bishop pair, and open lines compensate for the pawn investment. One slip—12…Bxg5?—allows a decisive attack: 13.Nxg5, and if 13…0-0?? 14.Qxf7+ wins immediately.

Contemporary Relevance

In modern master play the Krejcik Variation is rare but practical in rapid or blitz time controls where surprise value is high. Engines rate the position as roughly equal with best play, yet practical chances skew toward the better-prepared side. Several strong grandmasters—among them Alexander Morozevich and Vladimir Bagirov—have tested it as White in faster events.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Josef Krejcik once wrote, “A game lost brilliantly is worth more than ten dull victories.” His variation embodies that philosophy.
• Because 4.Bc4 resembles lines of the Italian Game, club players who normally open 1.e4 e5 can reuse many attacking themes without heavy memorization.
• Some databases confuse the Krejcik and Lasker Attack (4.Nf3) because both arise from the same move order. The difference lies in the immediate bishop deployment versus knight development.
• On online servers the surprise factor is measurable: shows the variation scoring nearly 55 % for White under 2200, but under 50 % above 2500, underscoring the importance of precise defense.

Key Takeaways

• 4.Bc4 is sharp and tactical—perfect for players who enjoy open play.
• Black must react accurately; careless development often leads to an attack on f7 or e6.
• The line is sound but not objectively challenging the main lines; its chief value lies in surprise and practical chances.