Alekhine: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6 — Exchange Variation

Alekhine: 3.d4 d6 4.exd6 (Exchange Variation of the Alekhine Defence)

Definition

The sequence 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. exd6 occurs in the Alekhine Defence and is commonly called the Exchange Variation. By capturing on d6 at move 4, White immediately opens the centre, exchanges a pawn, and forces Black to recapture, typically with a queen, bishop, or pawn, leading to distinct structural and strategic themes.

Typical Move Order

The main branch goes:

• 1. e4 Nf6
• 2. e5 Nd5
• 3. d4 d6
• 4. exd6 cxd6 (or 4… Qxd6 / 4… exd6)

Most modern practitioners prefer 4… cxd6, keeping the queen flexible and preserving piece coordination.

Strategic Ideas

• Central Tension Resolved Early: Unlike other Alekhine lines where the centre remains fluid, the Exchange Variation clarifies the pawn structure by move 4.
• Open c- and e-files: After 4… cxd6, both players often contest the half-open c- and e-files with rooks; White may play Nc3, Bc4, and Qf3, while Black counters with …Nc6, …g6, and …Bg7.
• Minor-Piece Activity: The d6-pawn can become a target for White’s pieces (Bg5, Nc3-b5, Qf3), whereas Black strives for piece activity rather than pawn grabs, sometimes sacrificing the d-pawn back for rapid development.
• Endgame Prospects: If queens are exchanged early, White’s spatial edge and slightly healthier pawn structure may offer a small pull, but Black’s bishops can generate dynamic counterplay.

Historical Significance

Alexander Alekhine introduced his provocative 1… Nf6 in 1921 (Paepke vs. Alekhine), challenging classical beliefs about occupying the centre. The Exchange line garnered attention after games like Alekhine – Yates, London 1922, where Alekhine smoothly equalised with 4… cxd6 and went on to win.

The variation became a battleground in the 1970s–1980s when grandmasters such as Viktor Korchnoi, Vladimir Bagirov, and later Sergey Tiviakov employed the Alekhine as a fighting weapon with Black.

Illustrative Game

Bagirov vs. Miles, Hastings 1975/76 is often cited:

The game demonstrates how Black can concede an isolated d-pawn yet generate tremendous piece activity to secure equality.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• Nb5 Fork: After 4… cxd6 5. c4 Nc7, 6. Nc3 g6 7. Nb5 can fork d6 and c7, forcing Black to tread carefully.
• Pressure on e-file: The e-pawn often pins the potential Black knight on f6 after Re1; Black counters with …Be7 and …0-0 to relieve the pin.
• g-pawn Storm: In some lines Black plays …g6 and …Bg7, later following up with …f5 or …e5, striking back at the centre and kingside.

Modern Usage

Though less popular at elite level than the solid 3. Nc3 or 4. Nf3 variations, the Exchange line remains a practical choice to sidestep theory and enter a position where understanding outweighs memorisation. On online platforms it is a common surprise weapon for rapid and blitz.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Psychological Edge: Alekhine himself liked the Exchange Variation as Black because it coaxed White into “feeling safe” once the centre was clarified, only to overextend later.
• Karpov’s Experiment: Anatoly Karpov briefly toyed with the Alekhine (including the Exchange) in training games preparing for his 1984 match with Kasparov but abandoned it, reportedly calling it “too nervy” for world-championship play.
• Computer Age: Top engines evaluate the starting Exchange position as roughly equal (±0.20), affirming its soundness despite its rarity in super-GM practice.