Alekhine: 2.e5 – Advance Variation

Alekhine: 2.e5

Definition

“Alekhine: 2.e5” refers to White’s most popular reply to the Alekhine Defence, which begins 1.e4 Nf6. After Black’s provocative knight sortie, the move 2.e5 kicks the f6-knight and grabs space in the center. It is often called the Advance Variation of the Alekhine and serves as the gateway to several major sub-variations (Classical, Modern, Four Pawns, etc.).

Typical Move Order

The bare bones sequence is:

• 1.e4 Nf6
• 2.e5 Nd5   (the knight virtually always retreats here)
• 3.d4 d6
• 4.Nf3 (or 4.c4, 4.Bc4, 4.f4, etc.)

From this tabiya, plans branch out sharply depending on whether White bolsters his big pawn chain conservatively (4.Nf3, the Classical line) or throws more pawns forward (4.c4 & 5.f4, the Four Pawns Attack).

Strategic Themes

• Space vs. Targets: 2.e5 claims central territory and limits Black’s immediate piece activity, but the pawn on e5 can become a long-term target.
• Delayed Piece Development: Both sides postpone kingside development in the early moves. Black usually strikes at the pawn chain with ...d6, ...c5 and sometimes ...f6.
• Piece Imbalances: Black often manoeuvres the queen’s knight to b6 or c6 and aims for piece play against White’s extended structure. White strives for clamp-like control over the light squares (c5, d6, f6).
• Endgame Considerations: If the position liquidates without Black generating counterplay, White’s advanced pawn and space advantage can become decisive in a simplified ending.

Historical Significance

Grandmaster Alexander Alekhine introduced the defence bearing his name against Ahues (Budapest, 1921) and employed it in the 1924 New York super-tournament. The reply 2.e5 quickly became the main line; already in the mid-1930s it featured in the Alekhine–Euwe World Championship match. Over the decades, both sides refined their setups: Fischer, Karpov, and Bagirov on Black’s side; Gligorić, Miles, and Shabalov on White’s.

Illustrative Games

1. Gligorić – Fischer, Portorož Interzonal 1958
   1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 O-O 8.e6 f6 9.Nf7 Rxf7 10.exf7+ Kf8
   A wild illustration of the early “Gligorić Variation,” showing how quickly tactics can erupt after 2.e5.
2. Bagirov – Karpov, Moscow 1970
   Karpov’s precise breaks with ...c5 and ...dxe5 demonstrate Black’s classical strategy against the Broad Pawn Center.
3. Kamsky – Short, PCA Candidates 1994
   A textbook Four Pawns Attack where White’s space overwhelms Black after energetic piece play.

Interactive miniature:
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Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When Alekhine first unveiled 1...Nf6, Capablanca allegedly remarked that such “irregular” ideas could not withstand serious testing. Today the defence remains an elite-level surprise weapon.
• Bobby Fischer used the Alekhine–and specifically allowed 2.e5–only five times in serious play, scoring +3 =2 -0.
• In correspondence chess the Four Pawns line after 2.e5 boasts strong practical results for White, but computer engines hold the balance, showcasing modern defensive resources.

Common Sub-Variations After 2.e5

• Classical: 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O
• Modern: 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3
• Four Pawns Attack: 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4
• Exchange Variation: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6 cxd6
• Alburt Variation: 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4

Practical Tips

1. Don’t rush to capture on d6 or f6; keep tension until you can untangle your pieces.
2. For Black: Timely breaks with ...c5 and ...f6 are essential—without them, the cramped position may implode.
3. Study model endgames where White’s pawn on e5 becomes a spearhead; they inform middlegame decisions about exchanges.