Alekhine-Chatard Variation - French Defense Attack
Alekhine-Chatard Variation
Definition
The Alekhine-Chatard Variation (often called the Chatard–Alekhine Attack) is a sharp attacking line in the French Defense, Classical Variation. It arises after 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4, where White typically offers the h-pawn to accelerate a kingside assault. ECO code: C13.
How it is used in chess
White’s 6. h4 aims to disrupt Black’s normal French structures by provoking ...Bxg5 and ...Qxg5 or weakening dark squares after ...h6. The standard attacking blueprint involves Qg4 (hitting g7), long castling, and a rook lift (Rh3–g3), often combined with Nf3/Nh3–f4 and Bd3 to build pressure against Black’s king. Black counters by striking in the center with ...c5 and ...Nc6, and by carefully defending g7.
Typical move order and key position
The core tabiya is reached via the Classical French:
- 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e5 Nfd7 6. h4
- Options for Black include:
- 6...a6 (preparing ...c5 and controlling b5)
- 6...h6 (asking the bishop on g5 to clarify, often followed by 7. Bxe7 Qxe7 8. Qg4)
- 6...c5 (immediate counterstrike in the center)
- Accepting the gambit with 6...Bxg5 7. hxg5 Qxg5
Illustrative skeleton showing White’s attacking setup after 6...a6:
This highlights the thematic ideas: Qg4, 0-0-0, Rh3–g3, pressure on g7/e6, and central breaks with dxc5 or f4–f5.
Main ideas and plans
- For White:
- Rapid attack: Qg4 to target g7, castling long, rook lift via Rh3–g3, knight to f4 (from h3 or d3), and Bd3 to add weight on h7/g6/e6.
- Tactical motifs: sacrifices on h6 or g7, Nxd5 tactics when the center is tense, and sometimes Bxh7+ or Qxg7 depending on piece placement.
- Space advantage: the pawn on e5 cramps Black’s kingside; f2–f4–f5 can pry open e6 and g6.
- For Black:
- Counterplay first: timely ...c5 and ...Nc6 hit at d4/e5 and reduce White’s attacking fuel.
- King safety: avoid premature short castling if Qg4 is coming; resources like ...Kf8, ...h6, or ...g6 can neutralize threats.
- Piece trades: exchanging attackers (especially the dark-squared bishop) and steering to endgames where the extra pawn may count if the h-pawn was taken.
Key theory snapshots
- 6...a6: A popular flexible reply. After 7. Qg4, Black often prefers 7...Kf8 or 7...g6, followed by ...c5, aiming to meet 0-0-0 with quick central breaks.
- 6...h6: After 7. Bxe7 Qxe7 8. Qg4, White accelerates pressure on g7; Black usually answers with ...O-O, ...c5, and ...Nc6, staying alert to Qxg7 or Bxh6 ideas.
- 6...c5: Immediate central tension. White can consider 7. Bxe7 Qxe7 8. Nb5 or 8. f4, but accurate play is required to maintain the initiative.
- 6...Bxg5 7. hxg5 Qxg5: The gambit accepted. White seeks compensation via Nh3–f4, Qg4, 0-0-0, Rh3–g3, and pressure on e6/g7.
Examples
Gambit accepted pattern:
Gambit declined, solid center counterplay:
These lines showcase the recurring contours: pressure on g7/e6, long castling with a rook lift, and Black’s race to hit the center.
Strategic and historical significance
Historically associated with Alexander Alekhine and the French master Henri Chatard, the variation gained attention as an ambitious antidote to Black’s solid Classical setup. It embodies the classic “time for pawn” trade-off: White gambits the h-pawn to seize the initiative. At master level today, engines and preparation have provided Black with reliable antidotes, so it appears more as a surprise weapon or in rapid/blitz. Nevertheless, in practical play the attacking motifs remain potent.
Interesting facts and anecdotes
- Also known as the Chatard–Alekhine Attack, reflecting Chatard’s early pioneering games and Alekhine’s later popularization.
- The motif Qg4 with a rook lift Rh3–g3 is so typical that many players recognize the variation by those moves alone.
- Some modern repertoires recommend it as an “ambush” line: lower theoretical workload with high practical danger if Black is unprepared.
Practical tips
- For White:
- Don’t delay Qg4 and development—speed matters more than material.
- Watch for central breaks (dxc5, f4–f5) that open lines toward e6 and g7.
- If the gambit is accepted, coordinate Nh3–f4, Bd3, 0-0-0, and Rh3–g3 quickly.
- For Black:
- Hit back in the center with ...c5 and mobilize queenside play (...a6, ...b5) when appropriate.
- Defend g7 flexibly: resources include ...Kf8, ...g6, and accurate timing of ...O-O.
- Aim to exchange attackers; if you weather the storm, the extra pawn or structural trumps often tell.