Alekhine Defence: 3.Bc4
Alekhine Defence: 3.Bc4 (sometimes called the “Krejcik” or “Lasker” Variation)
Definition
The move 3.Bc4 appears after the initial sequence of the Alekhine Defence 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Bc4. Instead of the mainstream 3.d4, White places the king’s-bishop on the a2–g8 diagonal, immediately eyeing the sensitive f7–square and inviting Black to commit with …e6. The idea dates back to the 1920s and was experimented with by Emanuel Lasker, Oldřich Duras, and Adolf Krejcik; it has remained an off-beat but fully playable sideline ever since.
Typical Move Order
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Bc4 (diagram)
By forcing Black’s knight to d5 first, White hopes to exploit the fact that the d-pawn still sits on d2, keeping options flexible for d2–d4 or c2–c4 depending on Black’s reply.
Strategic Themes for White
- Pressure on f7: The bishop on c4, often backed by the queen via Qf3 or Qh5, provokes tactical shots against the weakest square in Black’s camp.
- Flexible centre: Because the pawn on d2 is still unmoved, White can choose between a quiet d2–d3 setup (keeping the bishop alive) or the more ambitious d2–d4 and c2–c4 pawn duo later on.
- Rapid development: Natural moves like Nf3, 0-0 and Re1 allow White to seize the initiative before Black finishes untangling pieces.
Strategic Themes for Black
- Solidification with …e6 and …d6: By blunting the c4-bishop and erecting a strong pawn chain, Black aims for a robust French-like structure.
- Targeting the bishop: Moves such as …Nb6, …d5, or …b6 (followed by …Ba6) can either chase the bishop or exchange it, reducing White’s pressure on f7.
- Central counterplay: Once safely developed, …c5 and …Nc6 hammer at d4 and create a typical Alekhine pawn-wedge that can be undermined later.
Theory at a Glance
- 3…e6 (main reply) 4.Nf3 d6 5.d4 Nb6 6.Bd3 with an equal-plus game for White. Black often mirrors a French Defence Winawer-type structure without the dark-squared bishop.
- 3…Nb6 4.Bb3 c5 5.c3 or 5.d3. Black kicks the bishop but concedes space on the queenside.
- 3…d6 4.Bxd5 dxe5 5.Bb3, an ultra-rare line that trades bishop for knight to disrupt Black’s pawn structure.
Historical & Practical Significance
While never a front-line weapon, 3.Bc4 is prized by creative players who wish to avoid heavy theory and force their opponents to think for themselves early on. Alexander Alekhine himself faced the move only once in tournament play (Sämisch–Alekhine, Karlsbad 1923). Modern exponents have included Bent Larsen, Vassily Ivanchuk, and online bullet specialists who value its surprise factor.
Illustrative Game
Keres – Euwe, Tallinn 1935
[[Pgn| e4|Nf6|e5|Nd5|Bc4|e6|d4|d6|Nf3|Nb6|Bb3|dxe5|Nxe5|c5|Qf3|Qf6|Qxf6|gxf6|dxc5|Bxc5|Nd3|Be7|Be3|Nc6|Nc3|Bd7|0-0-0|0-0-0|]]Keres demonstrated how quickly White’s pieces spring to life; after an early queen trade, Black’s pawn structure was shattered and White converted an end-game advantage on move 36.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation is sometimes dubbed the “Krejcik Gambit” when White follows up with 4.Bxd5?!, a swashbuckling idea attributed to Austrian master Adolf Krejcik, known for composing whimsical ‘coffee-house’ openings.
- Former world champion Emanuel Lasker used 3.Bc4 to defeat Géza Maróczy in a 1924 exhibition game—one of the earliest recorded wins with the line.
- Because the bishop frequently retreats to d3 or b3, some databases lump the variation under “B02 Alekhine Defence, Modern/4.Bd3”. Searching by ECO code can therefore overlook many 3.Bc4 transpositions.
- In blitz, 3.Bc4 scores surprisingly well: ChessBase statistics list a 56 % score for White in games under 5 minutes—proof that surprise value still counts.
When to Use 3.Bc4 in Your Repertoire
Choose this line if you:
- Prefer open tactical skirmishes over heavy theoretical debates.
- Are comfortable playing against French-type pawn structures.
- Enjoy steering your opponent into unfamiliar territory as early as move 3.
Summary
Alekhine’s Defence with 3.Bc4 is an off-beat yet fully respectable attempt to sidestep the reams of 3.d4 theory, emphasising rapid development and piece activity. Though objectively balanced, it often yields rich, unbalanced middlegames and remains a potent practical weapon at every time-control.