Alekhines Defense Krejcik Variation
Alekhine’s Defense — Krejcik Variation
Definition
The Krejcik Variation of the Alekhine’s Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3. Instead of the more common advancing pawn thrust 2. e5, White simply protects the e-pawn with the knight. The line is named after the imaginative Austrian–Czech master Josef (Jo) Krejcik (1885-1957), famous for his tactical and often unorthodox opening ideas.
Typical Move Order
The starting position of the variation can branch in several directions:
- 2…d5 → 3.exd5 Nxd5 transposes to a Scandinavian Defense where Black has spent an extra tempo on …Nf6.
- 2…e5 → 3.Nf3 returns to a King’s Knight Game, but again Black has “wasted” one move.
- 2…d6 or 2…g6 → Black keeps the game in independent Alekhine territory, usually aiming for …e5 later.
Strategic Ideas
Because 2. Nc3 avoids the direct clash after 2. e5, both sides have a freer structure than in main-line Alekhine positions:
- White’s plan is flexible. He may choose:
- a central advance with d4, sometimes even f4 (“Vienna-style”),
- a quick g3/Bg2 set-up resembling the King’s Indian Attack, or
- to steer the game into familiar Open Game territory after 2…e5.
- Black enjoys a solid position with several routes to equality. The early …d5 break is the most principled, as it strikes at White’s center at once and exploits the slightly passive knight on c3.
Theoretical Evaluation
Modern theory regards the Krejcik Variation as sound but innocuous. White keeps chances for a small edge thanks to Black’s lost tempo, yet there is no known line that poses serious problems for an accurately prepared opponent. For that reason the variation is used mainly as a surprise weapon rather than a staple of grand-master repertoires.
Illustrative Game
Krejcik’s original attacking spirit can be seen in the following miniature, where a quiet opening suddenly explodes:
[[Pgn| 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e5 d4 4.exf6 dxc3 5.fxe7 cxb2 6.exd8=Q+ Kxd8 7.Bxb2 |fen| r2k3r/ppp2ppp/8/8/8/8/PP1B1PPP/R1b2RK1 b - - 0 7]]Although theory has since shown improvements for Black, the game (Krejcik – P. Johner, Vienna 1908) captured the imagination of players at the time and cemented the line’s name.
Notable Modern Appearances
- Timur Gareyev – Fabiano Caruana, U.S. Championship 2018.
Gareyev chose 2. Nc3 as a one-game surprise; Caruana equalised comfortably with 2…d5, but the position remained unbalanced enough to give White practical chances. - Magnus Carlsen has experimented with the move in online blitz, using it to sidestep his opponents’ deep Alekhine preparation.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Josef Krejcik was a journalist who delighted readers with humorous annotations. He once described a dull draw as a game “so quiet that even the kings fell asleep.”
- The variation gives Black two distinct ways to waste a tempo: either repeating a Scandinavian with …Nf6 or reaching an open-game set-up after …e5.
- Because it can transpose into many other openings, the move 2. Nc3 is sometimes recommended to scholastic players who want to avoid memorising heavy theory while still developing naturally.
Practical Tips
- If you play White: be ready for several transpositions. Study Scandinavian structures after 2…d5 and have a plan against both …d6 and …g6 setups.
- If you face it as Black: the immediate 2…d5 is currently considered the cleanest route to equality. After 3.exd5 Nxd5 aim for quick piece development (…Nc6, …e5) before White can use his extra tempo.