Alekhine's Defense - Chess Glossary
Alekhine's Defense (1. e4 Nf6)
Definition
Alekhine’s Defense is a hyper-modern opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 Nf6. By immediately attacking the e-pawn with a knight rather than occupying the center with a pawn, Black deliberately invites White to advance pawns and create an imposing—but potentially over-extended—central phalanx. The defense is named after the fourth World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, who introduced it to top-level tournament play in the early 1920s.
How the Opening Is Used
Black’s strategy is to provoke the moves e5 and d4, then undermine the stretched pawn chain with timely strikes such as …d6, …c5, and …Bg7. The resulting positions are rarely symmetrical, leading to unbalanced middlegame play rich in tactical and strategic possibilities.
Main Branches
- Main Line: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6.
- Modern (4…Bg7) Variation: 4. c4 Nb6 5. Nc3 Bg7.
- Four Pawns Attack: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 — White builds a huge center with f-pawn.
- Exchange (3.exd6) Variation: White immediately releases central tension, aiming for a small but stable advantage.
- Two Pawns Attack (2.Nc3): A sideline where White delays e5.
Strategic Themes
- Over-extension vs. Counter-attack: White gains space; Black hopes to target the advanced pawns.
- Piece Play: Black’s minor pieces often become very active on light squares (…Bg7, …Nc6, …Bg4).
- Endgame Edge: If Black equalizes the middlegame, the loosened White pawns can be static weaknesses later.
Historical Significance
Although first analyzed by Louis Paulsen in the 19th century, the defense entered mainstream practice when Alekhine used it at the 1921 Budapest tournament, defeating Endre Steiner in a brisk 25 moves. It enjoyed a surge of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with proponents such as Bent Larsen, Bobby Fischer, and Lev Alburt.
Illustrative Example
In Fischer – Benko, USA Championship 1963/64, the World Champion adopted the Four Pawns Attack:
Famous Games
- Alekhine – Endre Steiner, Budapest 1921: debut of the opening.
- Fischer – Benko, U.S. Championship 1963/64: Four Pawns Attack thriller (draw).
- Karpov – Miles, European Team 1986: Miles equalizes smoothly with the Modern line.
- Topalov – Gashimov, Wijk aan Zee 2010: dynamic kingside pawn storm by Black.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
• Alekhine allegedly invented the defense in a Paris café, challenging a
fellow master to “try and chase this knight.”
• Bobby Fischer employed it four times in the 1970 Interzonal, scoring
3½/4.
• The line appeals to players who relish asymmetrical fighting positions:
devotees range from mavericks like Bent Larsen to computer engines seeking
unbalanced winning chances.
• Despite its provocative nature, databases show the opening’s overall
performance is near statistical equality for both sides in master play.
Practical Tips
- Black must know pawn-break timings (…d6, …c5, …e6) to avoid being squeezed.
- White should not over-push; maintaining flexibility with moves like Nf3-c3 can preserve the center.
- Endgames often hinge on pawn-structure: doubled c-pawns for White or isolated d-pawns for Black.
Summary
Alekhine’s Defense is a provocative, theory-rich opening that tests a player’s ability to balance space and counter-play. Its legacy, from Alekhine’s daring experiments to modern engine-checked lines, makes it a fascinating choice for players seeking sharp, unbalanced battles straight from move one.