Budapest Gambit Alekhine Variation

Budapest Gambit Alekhine Variation

Definition

The Budapest Gambit Alekhine Variation is a sub-line of the Budapest Gambit that arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Bf4 Bb4+ 6. Nc3. Named after the 4th World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, it features an immediate pin with …Bb4+ aimed at intensifying pressure on White’s e5-pawn and exploiting the temporary disorganisation of the white pieces.

Canonical Move Order

The most common sequence is:

• 1. d4 Nf6
• 2. c4 e5
• 3. dxe5 Ng4
• 4. Nf3 Nc6
• 5. Bf4 Bb4+
• 6. Nc3 (diagram position of the Alekhine Variation)

Black may continue with 6…Qe7, 6…Bxc3+ or 6…f6, each leading to different strategic battles. The pin on c3, combined with threats against e5, forms the backbone of Black’s compensation for the gambit pawn.

Strategic Ideas

• For Black
  • Regain the e5-pawn with active piece play.
  • Exploit the pin on c3 and latent tactics on the long diagonal a7–g1 after …Qe7.
  • Maintain pressure rather than win the pawn at all costs; if White keeps it, Black obtains rapid development and central tension.
• For White
  • Consolidate the extra pawn by timely moves such as Qd5 or e3-e4.
  • Break the pin with Rc1 or a3, forcing Black to clarify the queenside tension.
  • Exchange pieces to reduce Black’s initiative, often aiming for the endgame where the extra pawn can decide.

Historical Significance

Alexander Alekhine’s analysis in the early 1920s gave this branch both its theory and its name. His notes in Chess Review popularised the idea that the extra tempo gained by 5…Bb4+ can compensate for the gambit pawn. The variation was a favourite surprise weapon in inter-war tournaments but lost some appeal as defensive resources for White were refined. Modern engines show the line is playable but risky, keeping it in the repertoire of adventurous masters rather than main-line specialists.

Notable Games

1. Alekhine – Endre Steiner, Budapest 1921
   

   Alekhine demonstrated the practical difficulties Black faces once the initiative fades; the extra pawn eventually won the game for White.

2. Timman – Van der Wiel, Dutch Ch. 1983

   A model attacking display for Black, featuring the thematic sacrifice …Nxf2 followed by …Re8 and …Qe3+ illustrating the latent tactical power in the variation.

3. Mamedyarov – Carlsen, Biel Blitz 2018

   Even modern World Champions experiment with the gambit in faster time controls; Carlsen equalised effortlessly and was pressing by move 20.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• …Nxf2! – Sacrifice on f2 exploiting the overloaded white queen after Qxd8+.
• …Qe7 & …Ncxe5 – A double attack on e5 and c4 once the pin on c3 is reinforced.
• Bxc3+ followed by …Qe7 – Forces the white king into the centre if White recaptures with the bishop.

Illustrative Mini-Position

After 6…Qe7 7. e3 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Ngxe5 the following critical tabiya is reached:
Black has regained the pawn and holds a lead in development, while White’s pawn structure is compromised.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In 1922 Alekhine wagered he could draw against any master starting from the gambit position down a pawn; legend says he never lost the bet.
• The variation occasionally appears in correspondence chess, where deep engine preparation unveils razor-sharp novelties as late as move 18.
• Because of its swash-buckling nature, club players often refer to 5…Bb4+ as the “Budapest with a pin and a grin.”

Practical Tips

• Black: Do not rush to capture on e5; maximise piece activity first.
• White: Consider the prophylactic h3 to chase the g4-knight before centralating the queen.
• Study the mini-games where Black’s light-squared bishop sacrifices itself on c3; these illustrate both sides’ key defensive resources.