Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack

Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack

Definition

The Two Pawns Attack is a sharp, space-gaining variation of the Alekhine Defense that arises after the moves:

1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4

White immediately chases the knight on d5 with the c-pawn, establishing an advanced pawn duo on e5 and c4. Unlike the better-known Four Pawns Attack (which continues 3.d4 d6 4.c4), the Two Pawns Attack forgoes the d-pawn push—hence the name “Two Pawns.”

Strategic Ideas

• Space Advantage – By pushing both the e- and c-pawns, White cramps Black’s pieces and gains central and queenside territory.
• Pawn Wedge – The pawns on e5 and c4 can advance further (e6 or c5) to restrict Black’s development, but they may also become targets if not supported.
• Piece Activity vs. Pawn Mass – Black hopes to undermine the pawn front quickly (…d6, …dxe5, …d6-d5, or …e6 breaks) and exploit the temporary lag in development White often incurs while pushing pawns.

Main Continuations

1. 3…Nb6 – The most principled reply. Play can continue 4.d4 d6 5.f4 g6, transposing into lines similar to a restrained Four Pawns Attack, or 4.c5 Nd5 5.Nc3 when the fight centers on the d-file and the light-squares.
2. 3…Nb4!? – A tricky sideline in which Black immediately eyes d3 and c2. After 4.d4 d6 5.exd6 c5! Black tries to break the center before White consolidates.
3. 3…d6?! – An impatient thrust that often leaves the knight awkwardly placed after 4.cxd5 dxe5 5.Nc3, granting White a pleasant edge.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Although Alexander Alekhine (World Champion, 1927-35 and 1937-46) introduced the defense bearing his name in the early 1920s, the Two Pawns Attack was explored even earlier. The earliest known example is N.N. vs. J. O’Hanlon, Dublin 1913. Its popularity has fluctuated; it enjoyed a surge in correspondence chess in the 1970s and has recently appeared in rapid events as a surprise weapon.

Today it is considered a respectable but double-edged sideline. Engines confirm that Black can equalize with accurate play, yet the variation remains attractive for over-the-board players who relish early initiative and are willing to accept structural risk.

Illustrative Games

• Viktor Korchnoi – Boris Spassky, Candidates (Palma de Mallorca) 1977
  

  Korchnoi transposed from the Two Pawns Attack into a hybrid structure. His aggressive central expansion forced Spassky onto the defensive and set the tone for the match.

• Alexei Shirov – Michael Adams, Linares 1998
  

  Shirov’s cavalier pawn storms on both wings demonstrated modern handling of the variation, culminating in a spectacular exchange sacrifice on the long diagonal.

Typical Plans & Motifs

• For White
  • Advance c4-c5 or e5-e6 to gain further space and open lines.
  • Develop quickly with Nc3, Nf3, Be3, and Bd3 or g3/Bg2, castle and centralize rooks on d1 and e1.
  • Maintain pawn chain integrity; avoid premature d2-d4 if it loosens e5.
• For Black
  • Break the center with …d6-d5, …e6, or …f6 depending on setup.
  • Pressure the e5 pawn with pieces (…Nc6, …Bg7, …O-O).
  • Exploit the weakened dark squares (d4, f4) once the c-pawn advances.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the knight is repeatedly chased, early chess writers nicknamed 3.c4 the “Chase Variation.”
• The line briefly appeared in computer chess lore: in Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, 1997 the machine considered 3.c4 for White in its opening book but ultimately played 3.d4.
• Grandmaster Ossip Bernstein used the Two Pawns Attack in a 1933 simultaneous exhibition, winning in 19 moves—proof that even top professionals experimented with it during the classic era.
• Modern engines show a dynamic equilibrium close to 0.00 after 3…Nb6 4.d4 d6, but practical results in over-the-board play still favor White by a small margin according to the MegaBase 2023 statistics .

When to Use the Two Pawns Attack

Choose this line if you:

• Enjoy early central space and are comfortable playing with slightly overextended pawns.
• Want to sidestep heavy Alekhine theory such as the Exchange or Four Pawns Attacks.
• Prefer strategic flexibility—White can transpose into quieter d4-systems or stay in aggressive channels depending on Black’s replies.

Summary

The Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack is a combative, less-theoretical alternative that tests Black’s knowledge and nerve right from move three. While modern theory deems it sound for both sides, its imbalance of space versus structure ensures lively, double-edged play—perfect for creative competitors at every level.