Alekhines Defense Hunt Variation
Alekhine’s Defense – Hunt Variation
Definition
The Hunt Variation is a sharp sacrificial line in the Alekhine’s Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 dxe5 5. Nxe5 Nd7 6. Nxf7!? — White immediately gives up a knight on f7 to rip open Black’s king, aiming for a direct attack rather than long-term material balance. It is sometimes seen under the double name Brook–Hunt Variation, recognising early analysis by the British masters Dr. H. E. Brook and A. H. Hunt in the 1920s.
How it is Used in Play
The variation is employed by aggressive players who:
- Want to drag the normally safe g8-knight-f6 system into hand-to-hand combat.
- Are comfortable sacrificing material for time, open lines and king exposure.
- Have prepared the forcing lines well, because one slip usually means the attack collapses.
Black, having accepted the piece, must tread carefully:
- Consolidate the extra material while parrying mating threats on the long diagonal and the e1–h4 diagonal.
- Return material at the right moment if the king becomes too draughty.
- Coordinate pieces, especially the queen and light-squared bishop, to fend off the initiative.
Typical Move Order & Ideas
The main tabiya after 6…Kxf7 continues 7.Qh5+ g6 8.Qxd5+ e6 9.Qf3+.
- Expose the king – White’s queen raids the centre and kingside, hoping to keep Black stuck in the middle.
- Regain material – Moves like 8.Qxd5+ pick up a pawn and often a second pawn on b7 later, so White is “only” a piece down but with two or three pawns for it.
- Activation – Knights head to c3 and e4, bishops target the weakened light squares, and rooks swing rapidly to the e- or d-files.
- Black’s plan – Kick the white queen with …Nf6/Nf6-g4, swap queens if possible, and complete development; after that the extra minor piece often tells.
Historical Background
The line appeared in British club play in the 1920s. Analysis by Arthur Henry Hunt (hence “Hunt”) and his contemporary Dr. Harold E. Brook gave the variation theoretical weight. Though never a mainstream top-level choice, it has cropped up in correspondence and rapid arenas where surprise value is high.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following lightweight encounter shows typical themes; the final position is roughly equal despite the material imbalance:
Strategic & Practical Significance
- Risk–Reward Ratio – White is a full piece down but gains two pawns, time and attacking chances. If Black neutralises the initiative, the extra piece wins.
- Theoretical Status – Modern engines give Black a small edge with perfect play, but in practical games the defender must find several only-moves.
- Time Controls – The Hunt Variation scores best in blitz and rapid, where defensive precision is scarce.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Grandmaster Michael Adams once tried the Hunt in a 1995 speed-chess simul, winning in 20 moves after his opponent missed a queen fork.
- The line inspired the pun-loving magazine headline “Going on a Knight Hunt” after a string of British weekend-tournament upsets in the late 1970s.
- A 2021 Titled-Tuesday event saw over 30 games reach the Hunt tabiya, proof that the gambit is alive and well in online play.
Quick Reference
ECO code: B02
Main line: 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxf7!?
Alternative names: Brook–Hunt Gambit, Hunt Sacrifice.