Alekhine: Modern 5.Be2 Nc6

Alekhine Defence: Modern Variation, 5.Be2 Nc6

Definition

The sequence 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg4 5. Be2 Nc6 belongs to the Modern Variation of the Alekhine Defence (ECO code B05). After White defends the e4–pawn with Be2, Black develops the b8-knight to c6—simultaneously increasing pressure on the d4–square and preparing …dxe5.

Typical Move Order

The most common path to the position is:

1. e4 Nf6
2. e5 Nd5
3. d4 d6
4. Nf3 Bg4 (pinning the f3-knight and restraining e5-e6)
5. Be2 Nc6

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s plan
  • Increase central tension and provoke weaknesses before capturing on e5.
  • Pressure the d4–pawn with pieces (…Nc6, …Bg4, sometimes …e6).
  • If allowed, exchange on f3 to damage White’s kingside structure, then strike with …dxe5 or …f6.
• White’s plan
  • Complete development quickly (0-0, c4, Nc3) and maintain the space-advantage pawn on e5.
  • Use the bishop pair after …Bxf3 by recapturing with the queen (gxf3 is also possible for sharper play).
  • In many lines White clamps down with c2-c4 and d4-d5, gaining spatial control on the queenside.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• …Bxf3 followed by …dxe5 – exchanging on f3 to remove a defender of e5.
• Forks on b4 and e3 – after …Nc6 and …Nb4 the c2-square is sensitive.
• e5-e6 pawn wedge – White occasionally sacrifices the pawn to open lines against Black’s king.

Historical Context

Although Alexander Alekhine introduced his eponymous defence in the early 1920s, the specific Modern Variation with …Bg4 gained steam in the mid-20th century. Grandmasters such as Vsevolod Rauzer, Svetozar Gligorić, and later Viktor Korchnoi employed the line as a dynamic counter to 4. Nf3. In more recent times, it has appeared sporadically in elite play, often as a surprise weapon.

Notable Games

• Fischer – Gligorić, Bled 1959 – Fischer steered the game into a Maroczy-style bind with c4 and ground down the veteran Yugoslav grandmaster in 60 moves.
• Korchnoi – Miles, Tilburg 1981 – Miles unleashed an early …f6, illustrating Black’s counter-attacking resources; the game ended in perpetual check.

Model PGN

The following miniature highlights the main themes of the line:

White keeps the central space and uses tactical blows (c4-c5, d4-d5) to exploit Black’s looseness.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When he first adopted the Alekhine Defence in 1921, Alekhine himself preferred the classical 4…dxe5. The “Modern” label was added later to distinguish 4…d6 and 4…Bg4 from the early capturing lines.
• Some databases catalogue 5. Be2 Nc6 as the “Krejcik Variation,” named after the Austrian coffee-house tactician Josef Krejcik, who popularized the bishop retreat to e2 in the 1920s.
• Computers evaluate the line around equal, but practical results remain razor-sharp: according to
  [[Chart|Rating|Classical|1950-2023]] Grandmaster practice, White scores a modest 54% with 5. Be2 Nc6, while club-level results heavily favor the first player, underscoring Black’s need for precise play.

Summary

The 5. Be2 Nc6 line of the Modern Alekhine balances positional tension with tactical possibilities for both sides. White tries to exploit a spatial edge and the two bishops; Black relies on piece pressure and timely pawn breaks to undermine the center. A sound, fighting choice—well worth study for players who enjoy unbalanced middlegames beginning as early as move five.