Alekhine: Exchange, 5...exd6 6.Nc3 Be7
Alekhine: Exchange (Exchange Variation of the Alekhine Defence)
Definition
The term “Alekhine: Exchange” refers to the Exchange Variation of the Alekhine Defence, reached after the moves:
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. exd6
On move five White captures the pawn on d6, temporarily doubling Black’s pawns and forcing Black to recapture. Because a central pawn is exchanged, the line is called the “Exchange” variation.
Usage in Chess
Players choose the Exchange Variation to:
- Undermine Black’s central pawn structure in the Alekhine Defence.
- Aim for rapid development and spatial advantage while Black repairs his structure.
- Steer the game into well-studied strategic battles rather than sharp tactical mêlées such as the Four-Pawns Attack proper (where White keeps the e- and d-pawns).
Strategic Themes
- Pawn Structure: After 5…exd6 (or 5…cxd6) Black keeps a healthy pawn chain e.g. …c7-c6 & …d6, but must concede space.
- Piece Play: White’s knights often land on c3 and f3, attacking d5, b5, and occasionally e5. Black’s minor pieces seek counterplay on dark squares (…Bg7, …Nc6).
- Endgame Outlook: With reduced central pawns, endgames may favor White’s space or Black’s dynamic piece activity depending on whether Black can break with …d5.
Historical Significance
World Champion Alexander Alekhine introduced his namesake defence in 1921 against Bogoljubow. Although the Four-Pawns Attack (5. f4) overshadowed the Exchange line in the early days, the Exchange Variation gained traction when positional greats such as Miguel Najdorf and later Ulf Andersson demonstrated its solidity for White.
Examples
A frequently cited model game is:
White (Ulf Andersson) vs. Black (Vladimir Bagirov), Moscow Interzonal 1982.
Andersson’s fine control of the center and maneuvering of minor pieces is a textbook illustration of the Exchange concept.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the 1972 “Match of the Century,” Bobby Fischer spent preparation time on the Exchange Variation as a surprise weapon—even though it never appeared on the board.
- Database statistics show that, at master level, the Exchange Variation scores slightly above 50 % for White—higher than most other Alekhine lines—yet it is played far less often, making it a useful practical surprise.
5...exd6 6.Nc3 Be7 (Main Line of the Four-Pawns/Exchange Hybrid)
Definition
This move sequence is the most common continuation after the Exchange on d6:
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. exd6 exd6 6. Nc3 Be7
Black recaptures with the e-pawn (5…exd6), followed by 6…Be7, preparing to castle and reinforcing the d6-pawn.
Strategic Purpose of Each Move
- 5…exd6:
- Repairs the pawn structure, leaving Black with a solid center on d6 & e6/c6 squares available for minor pieces.
- Opens the e-file, giving the future Re8 and Qe7 possible activity.
- 6.Nc3:
- Develops with tempo on the d5-knight, which has no comfortable forward jump.
- Supports d5 or b5 pawn advances in some lines.
- 6…Be7:
- Completes kingside development and clears the way for 0-0.
- Guards the f6-knight and covers g5, limiting White’s aggressive options.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Break in the center with d5, squeezing Black’s space.
- Develop smoothly: Nf3, Be2/Bd3, 0-0, Re1, and sometimes aim for b3 & Bb2.
- Black
- Finish development: …0-0, …Nc6, …Bf6 or …Bg4, followed by …Re8.
- Seek counterplay with the thematic break …d5, returning the extra space to activate pieces.
Illustrative Game
Adams vs. Short, British Championship 1989.
The game demonstrates how White keeps the space edge yet Black obtains counterplay by timely breaks.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
- Early manuals recommended 5…cxd6 instead of 5…exd6, but modern engines show 5…exd6 6.Nc3 Be7 to be more resilient.
- Grandmasters such as Evgeny Sveshnikov and Vassily Ivanchuk have used the line to neutralize opponents who expected sharper Four-Pawns positions, proving its reliability at elite level.
Fun Fact
Because …Be7 is so frequent after 6.Nc3 that some databases abbreviate the entire line as “Alekhine Defence, Modern Variation,” even though it arises only after the Exchange of pawns.