Alekhine: Scandinavian, 3.e5 Ne4

Alekhine Defence: Scandinavian Variation

Definition

The Scandinavian Variation of the Alekhine Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 d5. Black immediately counters White’s advanced e-pawn by striking at the centre with ...d5 instead of retreating the knight to d5 (the main line of the Alekhine). ECO classifies the line as B02.

Typical Move-Order

A common continuation is:
which demonstrates Black’s intention to undermine the e5-pawn and develop rapidly.

Strategic Ideas

• Counter-punching: In true Alekhine style, Black tempts White to overextend and then attacks the pawn chain with immediate pawn breaks.
• Piece Activity vs. Pawn Centre: Black accepts a space disadvantage for faster development and open lines for the bishops, especially the f8-bishop aiming at the c5-h4 diagonal.
• Flexible Structure: Depending on White’s reaction, Black can castle kingside quickly or, after ...c5, transpose into positions that resemble the French Defence with the bad bishop already outside the pawn chain.

Historical Significance

Although the variation carries Alekhine’s name, it was Aron Nimzowitsch who first played it in serious competition (Berlin, 1919). Alexander Alekhine later adopted the line, helping it gain theoretical respectability. It remains a favourite of players who enjoy dynamic counterplay without vast amounts of theory.

Illustrative Game

Keres – Alekhine, Margate 1937
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 d5 3. exf6 exf6 4. d4 Bd6 5. Bd3 O-O 6. Ne2 Re8 7. O-O
Alekhine quickly mobilised his pieces, equalised, and eventually out-played Keres in a lively middlegame.

Interesting Facts

• The name “Scandinavian Variation” is a nod to the Scandinavian Defence (1. e4 d5), with which it shares the early ...d5 break.
• Because Black delays the usual ...Nd5 jump, some players call the line the “Two-Pawn Form of the Alekhine.”
• Modern engines rate the position as roughly equal, making it a surprise weapon at all levels.

3.e5 Ne4 in the Scandinavian Defence

Definition

The sequence 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. e5 Ne4 occurs in the Modern Scandinavian Defence. After exchanging on d5, White kicks the f6-knight with 3.e5; Black counters by hopping to the active e4-square, challenging the centre and eyeing c3, d2, and f2.

Purpose of the Moves

1. 3.e5 (White): Gains space, blocks the f6-knight and restricts Black’s central breaks.
2. 3...Ne4 (Black): Re-centralises the knight on a powerful outpost, pressures c3 and f2, and prepares ...Qxd5 or ...e6 followed by ...exd5 to recover the pawn if desired.

Main Branches after 3...Ne4

• 4. d4: The most principled. Black may continue 4...Qxd5 5. Nf3 c5 aiming for active piece play.
• 4. c4: Aiming for a Maróczy-style bind; Black often replies 4...e6 5. d3 Bb4+.
• 4. d3: A quieter set-up, reinforcing the e4-square before developing pieces.

Strategic Themes

• Outpost on e4: If White expels the knight with f3, structural weaknesses can appear around the king.
• Minor-piece Imbalance: Black may exchange on c3, doubling White’s pawns and entering an endgame with a healthier pawn structure.
• Dynamic vs. Static: White possesses spatial advantage; Black relies on piece activity and tactical chances.

Sample Game

Ivanchuk – A. Sokolov, Wijk aan Zee 1995


Sokolov’s energetic knight on e4 and timely ...c5 break yielded full equality, illustrating Black’s counter-chances.

Interesting Facts

• Early manuals discouraged 3.e5 because of 3...Nxd5, but the modern 3...Ne4 line revived interest by showing Black could keep the position fluid.
• Top players such as Gata Kamsky and Magnus Carlsen have essayed 3...Ne4 in rapid and blitz games, trusting the knight’s activity over material concerns.
• Engines rate the position around equality, but practical results show a slight edge for the better-prepared side, making it a favourite in surprise-weapon repertoires.