Alekhine Defence: Krejcik Variation
Alekhine Defence: Krejcik Variation
Definition
The Krejcik Variation is an early sideline in the Alekhine Defence that arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4. By immediately thrusting the c-pawn, White chases the black knight for a second time, seizes space on the queenside, and sets the stage for a broad pawn centre. The line is catalogued in ECO as B02 and is named after the Austrian tactician Josef Krejcik (1885–1957).
Typical Move Order
Standard starting sequence:
- 1. e4 Nf6
- 2. e5 Nd5
- 3. c4 – the hallmark move of the variation
Black’s most common replies are:
- 3…Nb6 – the main line, maintaining material balance.
- 3…Nb4 – a rare but provocative retreat targeting d3 and c2.
- 3…Nf4 – an off-beat try that plants the knight aggressively on f4.
Strategic Ideas
- Space Advantage: The c-pawn advance supports a future d-pawn push, giving White a broad central/queenside pawn chain.
- Knight Harassment: By forcing the black knight to move twice more, White hopes to gain time for development.
- Flexible Transpositions: After 3…Nb6 4.d4 d6, the game can transpose into the Four Pawns Attack with 5.f4, or into quieter systems with Nc3 and Nf3.
- Queenside Holes: Pushing c4 so early leaves the d4-square slightly under-protected; Black can try to exploit this with …d6, …Nc6, and …Bg4.
Key Continuations
- Main Line: 3…Nb6 4.d4 d6 5.f4 – heading for a super-charged centre reminiscent of the Four Pawns Attack.
- Sharp Sideline: 3…Nb4 4.d4 d6 5.exd6 (a thematic exchange, opening the position quickly) 5…cxd6 6.Nf3.
- Quiet System: 3…Nb6 4.Nc3 d6 5.d4 (delaying f-pawn activity in favour of rapid development).
Historical Notes
Josef Krejcik was famous for his attacking style and love of unorthodox openings. He introduced 3.c4 in several exhibition games in Vienna during the 1910s. Although the variation never displaced the more popular 3.d4 lines, it occasionally surfaces as a surprise weapon at master level.
Illustrative Miniature
The following 20-move skirmish shows the tactical potential of the Krejcik Variation:
White’s early space gain eventually allowed a kingside pawn storm, culminating in a swift attack on Black’s undeveloped king.
Famous Games Featuring 3.c4
- Krejcik – Tartakower, Vienna 1912 – The origin game; Krejcik uncorked a dazzling piece sacrifice on move 12.
- Gufeld – Nodarishvili, USSR Championship 1961 – Showed Black’s resource 3…Nb4, after which Gufeld steered the play into a favourable ending.
- Adams – Howell, British Ch. 2014 – A modern GM example where White used 3.c4 as a surprise and secured a positional edge.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- e5–e6 Break: When supported by f4, White often sacrifices the e-pawn to rip open lines.
- c4–c5 Clamp: After 3…Nb6, advancing to c5 can lock the knight on b6 and gain further space.
- Bishop Battery on d3/h7: In several lines the light-squared bishop lands on d3, creating mating threats along the diagonal toward h7.
Practical Tips
- Be ready for transpositions; study both the Four Pawns Attack and Exchange Variation structures.
- If playing Black, challenge White’s centre promptly with …d6 and timely knight manoeuvres (…Nc6–d4 or …Na6–b4).
- Endgames often favour White thanks to superior space, but only if the centre remains intact.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Krejcik reportedly coined the humorous motto, “No brilliancy, no coffee!” and would offer 3.c4 in coffee-house games to spice things up.
- World Champion Bobby Fischer analysed 3.c4 in his private notebooks, but there is no record of him employing it in tournament play.
- The variation has appeared in correspondence chess where deep engine preparation makes its strategic flexibility attractive.
Further Study
For readers wishing to explore more, consult:
- The Alekhine Defence by Lev Alburt – Chapter on Creative Sidelines.
- Mastering the Alekhine by Johan Hellsten – Annotated games featuring the Krejcik.
- Online database search for “Krejcik Variation” filtering games after 2000 to see modern handling.