Colle: 3...Bf5, Alekhine Variation

Colle: 3...Bf5, Alekhine Variation

Definition

The Colle: 3...Bf5, Alekhine Variation is an anti-Colle setup for Black that appears after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5. By developing the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain before ...e6, Black aims to blunt White’s typical Colle plan of a quick e4 break and kingside attack. This line is widely regarded as one of the most reliable ways to meet the Colle System and often transposes to solid Queen’s Gambit Declined set-ups.

Move order and basic idea

Common move-orders leading to the Alekhine Variation include:

• 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5
• 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 Bf5
• 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Bf5 3. e3 (same structure via a slight move-order tweak)

Black’s core idea is prophylactic: place the bishop on f5 early to discourage Bd3 with a later e4 steamroll, and to exert pressure on the e4-square. After ...e6 and a later ...c6 or ...c5, Black usually enjoys a healthy, flexible structure.

Why it’s called the Alekhine Variation

The name references Alexander Alekhine, who recommended this active development scheme (...Bf5) against the Colle. Rather than locking the bishop inside with an early ...e6, Black keeps options open and confronts White’s central ambitions immediately. Historically, this approach helped establish the reputation that the Colle is strategically “manageable” for Black if met precisely.

Strategic themes for White

• Switching gears: If Black prevents the classic Colle e4 break, White often adopts a Queen’s Gambit-style plan with c4, aiming for pressure on d5 and typical minority-attack or space-gaining plans on the queenside.
• Qb3 motifs: The b7-pawn can become a target; Qb3 frequently appears to provoke ...Qb6 or ...Qc8 and gain time. Beware of overextending—remember LPDO: hitting b7 should not neglect development.
• Kicking the bishop: Themes include Nh4 (or sometimes Bd3 and c4) to challenge the f5-bishop and loosen Black’s dark squares.
• Timed e4 break: Even if delayed, e4 can arrive after adequate preparation (Re1, Qe2, Bd3/Qc2, Rd1, c4) when Black’s control over e4 lessens.

Strategic themes for Black

• Solid center first: ...e6, ...c6 (or ...c5), ...Nbd7, ...Bd6/…Bb4+ are thematic. Neutralize e4 and harmonize development.
• Exchange on d3: After Bd3, Black can consider ...Bxd3 and then play for ...c5 (or ...c6 and ...c5), reaching a robust Caro–Slav-like structure.
• Queenside counterplay: With White’s attack blunted, Black often seeks ...c5 breaks, central tension, and play against an isolated or hanging pawn scenario.
• Accurate piece placement: ...Nbd7–…Bd6–…Qe7–…O-O is a “no-nonsense” setup that frequently equalizes with minimal risk.

Typical plans and setups

• White goes QGD-style: 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 e6 5. Nc3 c6 6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Qxd3 Nbd7 8. O-O Bd6 with a calm, symmetrical structure. White plays e4 only when it truly helps; otherwise, pressure the queenside with Rb1, b4, and potentially b5.
• Qb3 pressure: 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5 4. c4 e6 5. Qb3 Qc8 (or ...b6) 6. Nc3 c6 7. Bd2 Bd6 8. Rc1 dxc4 9. Bxc4. White keeps a small initiative by aiming at b7/d5 while finishing development.
• Kicking the bishop: 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e3 Bf5 4. Bd3 Bxd3 5. Qxd3 e6 6. Nbd2 Nbd7 7. O-O c5 8. c3 Be7 9. e4. If the timing is right, White can still engineer e4, but only after all the pieces are coordinated.

Common tactics and pitfalls

• Qb3 vs. b7: If Black carelessly plays ...b6 and ...Nbd7 without proper coordination, ideas with cxd5 exd5 and Bb5+ can create tactical issues on the long diagonal. This is a classic Trap theme tied to LPDO on b7.
• Nh4 motif: ...Bf5 can be met by Nh4 in some positions. If ...Bg4, White may play h3 and g4 to gain space, but only if king safety is maintained.
• Early e4 blunders: Premature e4 can backfire if Black has enough control; after ...Bf5 and ...e6, Black is often ready for ...dxe4 and a quick ...Bb4+.
• Pins and in-betweens: Tactics with ...Bb4+ or ...Bb4 pinning Nc3 can punish unguarded e4 attempts. Watch for In-between move ideas.

Illustrative model line

A thematic, theory-rich line showing the solid nature of the variation (no claim of best play for both sides):

After early exchanges, the game often reaches an equal but rich middlegame. White’s e4 break comes only after full development; Black is ready with sound central counterplay.

Example position: Qb3 pressure on b7

In many Colle–Alekhine positions, Qb3 hits b7 and d5, nudging Black to defend accurately:

Here, White has finished development while keeping soft pressure on b7 and d5. Black is solid and ready for ...Qc7, ...a6, and ...Rad8 or ...c5.

Historical notes and usage

The Alekhine Variation became a respected antidote to the Colle because it directly undermines White’s e4 plan. It has been employed at all levels, from club play to elite tournaments, when a player wants a sound, risk-managed solution against the Colle System. Modern engines also endorse Black’s early ...Bf5 as a reliable equalizer with accurate moves, keeping the game in Queen’s Gambit-style waters rather than a sharp Colle kingside assault.

Practical tips

• As White: If you face 3...Bf5, be ready to switch to a QGD mindset. Go c4, complete development, and reevaluate the e4 break later. Don’t force it.
• As Black: Don’t rush ...c5 if your development lags; first achieve ...e6, ...Nbd7, and king safety. Consider trading on d3 at the right moment.
• Study a compact set of model games and keep a short Book file. Add a few engine-checked notes (Engine) for your go-to lines as part of your Home prep.
• In faster time controls, play “principled moves” that keep the bishop active and your king safe—maximize Practical chances.

Related concepts and terms

• Trap and punishing LPDO on b7
• Transposition to QGD or Slav-like structures
• Understanding Pawn structure and queenside play (minority attack themes)
• Checking your prep with Engine eval (in CP)
• Managing the center: Breakthrough with ...c5 or e4

Fun facts and anecdotes

• The “Anti-Colle” label stuck because this line directly denies White the dream setup with Bd3, Nbd2, O-O, and a textbook e4 push.
• Some Colle aficionados still launch “Harry” (the h-pawn) on the kingside to gain space once the center is stabilized: see ideas with h3–g4–h4 in slower games. Harry
• Many blitz specialists choose this as Black for its simplicity and low-maintenance theory—ideal for a consistent repertoire across Rapid, Blitz, and Bullet.

Quick rating note

Players often report steady results with this line across time controls: — remember, opening choice is only one part of performance; study typical middlegame plans and endings too.