Alekhine: Scandinavian Variation

Alekhine: Scandinavian Variation

Definition

The Alekhine: Scandinavian Variation is a branch of the Alekhine Defence that arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg4. Black invites White to gain space in the centre, planning to undermine the advanced pawns later. The variation is classified under ECO codes B02–B05.

Typical Move Order

The most common sequence is:

• 1. e4 Nf6
• 2. e5 Nd5
• 3. d4 d6
• 4. Nf3 Bg4
• 5. Be2 e6 (or 5…g6)

The bishop pin on g4 is the signature of the Scandinavian Variation, distinguishing it from lines where Black plays …g6 and …Bg7 (the Modern or Keres Variations).

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: White’s pawns on e5 and d4 cramp Black, but may become targets after …c5 or …f6.
• The g4–d1 Diagonal: Black’s early …Bg4 aims to pin the knight on f3, discouraging an immediate c2–c4 and preparing …dxe5 in some lines.
• Knight Manoeuvres: Black’s Nd5 often re-routes to b6 or c6 (after …dxe5) while White’s knights may head to c3 and e4, supporting the centre.
• Pawn Breaks:
  • Black: …c5, …f6, and sometimes …e5 after adequate preparation.
  • White: c4, e6 (pawn sacrifice), or h3–g4 to harass the bishop.

Historical Significance

The variation’s label “Scandinavian” stems from its widespread adoption by Nordic masters in the 1920s–40s, notably Gideon Ståhlberg and Erik Lundin. World Champion Alexander Alekhine himself tried the setup against Efim Bogoljubov in the 1922 Pistyan tournament, giving the line further legitimacy. Modern specialists include Vassily Ivanchuk and Sergei Tiviakov, who have produced notable wins using the system.

Sample Ideas for Both Sides

• White
  1. Play h3, g4 and chase the bishop, followed by c4 to build a broad pawn phalanx.
  2. Adopt a quieter setup with Be2, 0-0, c4, and Nc3, pressing in the centre while retaining flexibility.
  3. Sacrifice the e-pawn with 5. h3 Bh5 6. e6!? to open lines and exploit Black’s lag in development.
• Black
  1. Maintain the pin and strike with …dxe5 when the central tension favours liquidation.
  2. Combine …c5 and …Nc6 to pressure d4; if White plays c4 too early, …Nb6 targets the newly weakened squares.
  3. Adopt a Hedgehog-style structure after …g6 and …Bg7, planning breaks …c5 or …f6 later.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Short & instructive: Tiviakov – Van der Weide, Dutch Ch. 2000

White’s pawn thrust 6. e6!? rips open lines; after 10.Ng5 White enjoys a powerful initiative against the uncastled king.

Famous Encounter

Ivanchuk vs. Kramnik, Dortmund 1994: Ivanchuk demonstrated how rapid central and kingside play can punish Black’s slow development. The game reached a dynamic middlegame where Ivanchuk sacrificed on e6, eventually prevailing in 38 moves.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In his annotations, Alekhine praised 4…Bg4 for its “uncompromising fighting spirit,” claiming it avoided the “dull equality” he saw in earlier defences.
• Magnus Carlsen tested the line with Black as early as age 13, scoring a win against GM Sipke Ernst in the 2004 Gausdal Classic.
• Engines evaluate the starting position after 4…Bg4 at roughly equal (≈ 0.20 pawns) but the imbalance of space versus piece activity gives ample winning chances to both sides.

Why Choose (or Avoid) This Variation?

• Choose it if you enjoy counter-attacking with piece play, are comfortable in slightly cramped positions, and want to lure opponents out of mainstream theory.
• Avoid it if you dislike early structural concessions (the displaced knight on d5/b6) or if you prefer immediate equality instead of dynamic imbalance.