Alekhine's Defense Scandinavian Variation
Alekhine's Defense Scandinavian Variation
Definition
The Alekhine’s Defense Scandinavian Variation is a sub-line of the hyper-modern opening that begins 1. e4 Nf6, in which Black immediately strikes at the e-pawn with 2…d5 instead of the more familiar 2…Nd5. The critical sequence is:
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 d5! 3. exd6 e.p.
After White’s mandatory en-passant capture, Black normally recaptures
3…exd6 or 3…cxd6, entering a structure that resembles the
Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5) while still retaining the
characteristic Alekhine knight on f6.
Typical Move-orders
- 3…exd6 4.d4 d5 5.Nf3 Bd6 (Main Line – “Modern” system)
- 3…cxd6 4.d4 d5 5.Nf3 Nc6 (Less common, keeps the e-pawn backward)
- Declining the capture: 3.d4 Nfd7 4.c4 e6 5.Nc3 c5 (transposes to French-type positions)
Strategic Themes
The variation creates a pawn chain d6–e5 (or d5–e4 if White avoids en passant). Key ideas include:
- For Black
- Immediate central counterplay without retreating the f6-knight.
- Possibility of a solid Caro–Kann/French-like set-up with …c6, …Bd6, and rapid castling.
- The recapture 3…exd6 places a pawn on d6 that can later support …c5 to undermine White’s center.
- For White
- Occupy the center with pawns on d4 and c4, squeezing the f6-knight.
- Exploit the minor piece lead in development; Bc4, Qe2 and 0-0-0 can generate kingside pressure.
- Endgames often favor White due to the space advantage created by the advanced e-pawn.
Historical Notes
• The line first appeared in master practice in the 1920s; it was
championed by Rudolph Spielmann, which is why older texts sometimes call
it the “Spielmann Variation.”
• ECO code B02 groups the system under Alekhine’s Defense, but the
Scandinavian flavor is obvious because Black’s pawn blast …d5 mirrors
the classic 1…d5 reply.
• Though never a mainstay in world-championship play, the variation has
been used as a surprise weapon by grandmasters such as Bent Larsen,
Lev Psakhis, and more recently by rapid-chess specialist Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Illustrative Game
Spielmann – Alekhine, Bad Pistyan 1922 (annotated miniature):
[[Pgn| e4|Nf6|e5|d5|exd6|exd6|d4|d5|Nf3|Bd6|Be2|O-O|O-O|Re8|c4|c6|Nc3|Bf5|Bg5|dxc4 |arrows|f6d5,d5e4|squares|d6,f5]]Modern Usage & Practical Tips
- Surprise Value: Most e4-players prepare for 2…Nd5; playing 2…d5 can knock them out of book on move two.
- Time Controls: The variation scores best in blitz/rapid because forcing lines (e.g., en passant) must be known precisely by White.
- Engine Evaluation: Powerful engines evaluate the position near equality (≈0.20), so the line is theoretically sound but strategically double-edged.
Interesting Facts
- Because the en-passant capture is obligatory for best play, beginners often miss 3.exd6 e.p., leaving Black with a healthy center; good bluff value in club games!
- After 3…exd6, the resulting pawn on d6 means Black’s light-squared bishop often goes to e7 instead of f8, mimicking setups from the French Defense (Winawer).
- In some sidelines Black can castle queenside; a rare sight in other Alekhine lines.
Further Study
Recommended resources include Psakhis’ “Advanced Chess Tactics,” which devotes a chapter to the Scandinavian Variation, and the ChessBase database of Larsen’s games, where he scored +5 –2 =3 with the system.