Alekhine: Two Pawns Attack, 5.Bc4

Alekhine Defence: Two Pawns Attack (5.Bc4)

Definition

The line known as “Alekhine: Two Pawns Attack, 5.Bc4” is a sub-variation of the Alekhine Defence that arises after the moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. Bc4. White advances two central pawns (e- and c-pawns) deep into Black’s position, then develops the bishop to c4, eyeing the f7-square and adding pressure on the d5-knight. This line is a more direct, tactical cousin of the main Two Pawns line (5.d4).

Typical Move Order

The critical starting position can be reached through several transpositions, but the most direct route is:

1. e4 Nf6
2. e5 Nd5
3. c4 Nb6
4. c5 Nd5
5. Bc4 …

At this point Black has three main replies:

• 5…e6 – freeing the c8-bishop and preparing …d6.
• 5…e6 6.d4 d6 is a common transposition to more positional lines.
• 5…c6, or 5…Nc6!? – challenging the center immediately.

Strategic Ideas for White

• Space Advantage: The advanced e- and c-pawns cramp Black’s pieces and restrict kingside development.
• Pressure on f7/d5: Bc4 introduces tactical motifs such as Bxf7+, Qf3 or Qh5, and ideas of d4 followed by Nc3.
• Flexible Center: White can later reinforce with d4 (sometimes d3) and cxd6 en passant to open lines for the light-squared bishop.
• Rapid Development: Knights often head to f3 and c3, castles short, and pieces swarm around the advanced pawn chain.

Strategic Ideas for Black

• Counter-Attack the Center: Moves like …d6, …e6, and …b6 target the c5-pawn and undermine e5.
• Piece Activity: The knight on d5 can hop to b4 or f4, and the c8-bishop often emerges via …e6 and …Bxc5.
• Provoking Over-Extension: If White pushes too far (e.g., d4-d5), the advanced pawns may become weaknesses.
• Timely Breaks: The thrust …f6 or …c6 can break the pawn chain and liberate Black’s position.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

• Alexander Alekhine introduced the defence bearing his name during the 1921 World Championship match, but the 5.Bc4 spin became fashionable only in the mid-20th century.
• The line is sometimes called the “Chase Variation, Bishop Spin” because White chases the d5-knight twice and then points the bishop at f7.
• Although less popular than 5.d4, it serves as a practical weapon in rapid and blitz games because of its surprise value and forcing nature.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Short tactical example showing typical motifs:

[[Pgn| e4 Nf6 e5 Nd5 c4 Nb6 c5 Nd5 Bc4 e6 Nc3 Nxc3 dxc3 Bxc5 Qg4 Kf8 Nf3| fen|| arrows|e5e6,f7f6|squares|e6,f7]]

After 10.Qg4 White already threatens Qxg7# and shows how quickly an attack can develop against f7 when Black is careless.

Famous Games Featuring 5.Bc4

• Shirov – Sokolov, Wijk aan Zee 1999: Shirov unleashed a pawn sacrifice with 6.d4 and won a brilliant attacking game.
• Karjakin – Carlsen, World Blitz 2014: Carlsen coolly neutralised the space advantage and demonstrated the …c6 and …b6 break.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Vassily Ivanchuk once played 5.Bc4 twice in the same day—one rapid, one blitz—scoring 1½/2 against 2700-level opposition.
• Because of the early c-pawn advance, the engines initially liked Black in the 1990s database era; modern neural-network engines now see dynamic equality when handled accurately.
• Despite its sharp look, the variation has a relatively low draw rate at master level—under 20 %—making it attractive for players seeking decisive games.