Alekhines Defense: Four Pawns Trifunović Variation
Alekhine’s Defense – Four Pawns Attack, Trifunović Variation (ECO B05)
Definition
The Trifunović Variation is a branch of the Four Pawns Attack in Alekhine’s Defense. It is reached after the moves: 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6. In this position Black elects to challenge White’s mighty pawn phalanx (e5–d4–c4–f4) by rapid pressure on the d4–e5 squares, rather than with the immediate …g6 setups that occur in the main line. The code “B05” in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) is reserved for this system.
Typical Move Order
The most common continuation unfolds as follows:
- 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Nc6
- 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 10.Be2 O-O 11.O-O f6 — the “classical” set-up chosen by Petar Trifunović.
Strategic Themes
- White’s perspective: seize central space with the four pawns, develop quickly, and launch a kingside initiative before the pawns become targets.
- Black’s perspective: undermine the centre with …f6, …c5 and piece pressure, trading off White’s e- and d-pawns to obtain an enduring minority on dark squares and create a strong knight on d5 or c4.
- Dynamic balance: Although White owns more space, his centre is somewhat over-extended. Correct play by Black often leads to complex but roughly equal middlegames.
Historical Background
The variation is named after Serbian grandmaster Petar Trifunović (1910-1980), an outstanding technician who repeatedly employed this method of counter-attack during the 1940s and 1950s. His successful handling against several Soviet masters popularised the line, persuading theoreticians to treat 6…Nc6 as a fully independent system.
Model Game
One of the earliest and most instructive examples is Botvinnik vs. Trifunović, Groningen 1946. The following fragment shows how Black neutralised Botvinnik’s central pawns and later seized the initiative:
Trifunović eventually won after breaking through on the queenside with …b6 and infiltrating on the dark squares.
Typical Plans and Tactical Motifs
- Black’s pawn breaks: …f6 and …c5 are timed to force exchanges and reduce White’s space advantage.
- Minor-piece pressure: …Bg4 pin and …Nb4-c2 ideas can exploit the weak dark squares created by c4.
- Piece sacrifice themes: In several lines Black can consider …Nxe5 or …Nxd4 sacrifices to blast open the centre against an uncastled white king.
- Endgame edge: If Black succeeds in trading the e- and f-pawns, the resulting structure with pawns on c4 and d4 often leaves White with weak squares, granting Black superior knight outposts and a clearer plan.
Interesting Facts
- Because it begins with four straight pawn moves, the Four Pawns Attack (including the Trifunović line) once carried a reputation for being “unsound”. Modern engines, however, show the position to be within a few centipawns of equality.
- Petar Trifunović held top-20 status for much of the 1950s, yet this variation is his only lasting namesake in opening theory.
- Former World Champion Mikhail Tal used the Trifunović Variation as Black to defeat Hans Ree in 1973, a game featuring a spectacular knight sacrifice on d4.
- In online blitz, the line remains a surprise weapon: many opponents expect the main 6…g6 and are caught unprepared for the immediate knight jump to c6.
Practical Tips
- For White: Do not delay development—bring the kingside pieces out quickly (Be3, Nf3, Be2) and castle before Black can provoke weaknesses with …f6.
- For Black: Remember the thematic maneuver …Nb4-c2 in positions where White’s queen has abandoned d1 and the c-file is semi-open.
- If you enjoy French- or Caro-Kann-type structures for Black, the Trifunović Variation gives you similar central tension but with more piece activity.
Conclusion
The Trifunović Variation offers a sound, dynamic alternative to the more heavily analysed 6…g6 line of the Four Pawns Attack. It rewards precise central play and grants Black practical chances against an over-extended pawn centre, while White retains the potential for a brutal kingside assault if Black’s timing is off. Understanding the strategic framework outlined above will help players of either colour navigate the resulting rich middlegames.