Alekhine Defense: Maróczy Variation

Alekhine Defense: Maróczy Variation

Definition

The Maróczy Variation is a branch of the Alekhine Defense that arises after the moves
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 g6 5. c4 Nb6 6. exd6.
Named after the Hungarian grandmaster Géza Maróczy, the line is catalogued under ECO code B02. By exchanging on d6, White deprives Black of the typical counter-punch with …d6–d5 and fixes a long-term pawn target on d6.

Typical Move Order

1. e4  Nf6
2. e5  Nd5
3. d4  d6
4. Nf3 g6
5. c4  Nb6
6. exd6 cxd6 (main line)

Strategic Themes

• Fixed central pawn: After 6…cxd6, Black is left with an isolated or backward pawn on d6. White will often pile up on this weakness with Rc1, Nc3, Be2–f3, and sometimes Qa4.
• Space advantage: White’s pawn on e5 has been exchanged, but the pawn duo on c4–d4 claims central and queenside space, restricting Black’s pieces—especially the knight on b6.
• Fianchetto bishop challenge: Black’s …g6 and …Bg7 place a powerful bishop on the long diagonal. White must avoid allowing …Bg7xd4 liquidation under favorable circumstances.
• Piece play over pawn breaks: Because …d6–d5 is harder to engineer, Black often seeks counterplay with …Bg4, …Nc6, …e5, or pawn storms on the kingside.

Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Pressure the d6 pawn: Rd1, Nc3, Bf4 or Bg5.
  • Control dark squares: Be2–f3 pointing at b7 and c6.
  • Queenside expansion: a4, a5 to trap the knight on b6 or gain space.
• Black
  • Timely …Bg4 or …Bf5 to exchange a defender of d4.
  • …Nc6–d4 jump when c2–c3 has not been played.
  • Prepare …e5 or …d5 pawn breaks, often supported by …Re8 and …Nc6.

Historical Significance

The variation debuted in high-level play at Carlsbad 1923 when Géza Maróczy employed it against Alexander Alekhine, who gave his name to the parent opening. Alekhine reportedly considered 6.exd6 “harmless” at first, yet over the decades the line proved resilient enough to feature in the arsenals of positional players such as Ulf Andersson, Anatoly Karpov, and Peter Svidler.

Illustrative Game

Maróczy vs. Alekhine, Carlsbad 1923, demonstrated the core ideas:

White exchanged on d6, planted pieces on c3 and e3, and eventually forced concessions on the queenside, drawing the game while keeping the central weakness under constant pressure.

Modern Practice

While not as theoretically critical as the Four-Pawn Attack or the Modern Variation (4…dxe5), the Maróczy line is a sound, strategically rich weapon. Contemporary grandmasters often reach it via move-order subtleties to avoid heavily analyzed sidelines.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Alexander Alekhine, despite lending his name to the opening, scored poorly against Maróczy’s treatment in their personal encounters.
• Anatoly Karpov adopted the variation against English GM Tony Miles (Tilburg 1984) and produced a model game, showcasing how to squeeze the d6 pawn until it collapsed.
• Because the center locks early, engines evaluate the position close to equal, but human masters relish the slow, maneuvering battles the structure invites.

Practical Tips

• After 6.exd6, be consistent: if White cannot maintain pressure on d6, Black equalizes comfortably.
• Black players should prepare a concrete plan for freeing the position—doubling rooks on the d-file or arranging …e5.
• Endgames often favor White thanks to the fixed pawn weakness; Black should keep pieces on to maintain counterplay.