Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Alekhine Variation

Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Alekhine Variation

Definition

The Budapest Defense (or Budapest Gambit) arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4. The Alekhine Variation is reached when White continues with the calm developing move 4. Nf3. This line is named after the fourth World Champion Alexander Alekhine, who was one of the first elite players to steer play this way in the early 1920s.

Typical Move-Order

The basic branching point looks like this:

1. 1. d4 Nf6
2. 2. c4 e5
3. 3. dxe5 Ng4
4. 4. Nf3 … (Alekhine Variation)

From here Black’s most common replies are:

• 4…Nc6, preparing …Ngxe5, …Bb4 or …Bb4+.
• 4…Bb4+, immediately inserting the check to disturb White’s coordination.
• 4…Bc5, less popular and somewhat risky because the bishop can become a target after e2-e3.

Strategic Themes

The Budapest Defense is a pawn sacrifice that pursues fast piece activity rather than long-term material balance. In the Alekhine Variation specifically:

• White’s objectives —
  • Complete development smoothly (Nf3, g2-g3/Bg2 or Bf4, e2-e3).
  • Maintain the extra e-pawn (if feasible) or return it on favorable terms.
  • Exploit Black’s temporary piece disarray; the knight on g4 can become awkward.
• Black’s objectives —
  • Regain the pawn quickly (…Ngxe5, …Nc6, …Bb4+).
  • Create tactical pressure along the e-file and dark squares (…Bb4+, …Qe7).
  • Exchange minor pieces to relieve the space squeeze that follows a failed pawn grab.

Historical Significance

Although the Budapest Gambit was introduced at master level by Adler and subsequently championed by players such as Milan Vidmar, the move 4. Nf3 gained popularity after Alexander Alekhine used it successfully in several exhibition and tournament games (Vienna 1922, Budapest 1924). Since then it has been the main theoretical path for White, appearing in modern praxis in the hands of grandmasters such as Michael Adams, Peter Svidler, and Anna Muzychuk.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Below is a concise sample showing standard ideas for both sides:

[[Pgn| d4|Nf6|c4|e5|dxe5|Ng4|Nf3|Bb4+|Nc3|Nc6|Bf4|Qe7|Qd5|f6|exf6|Nxf6|Qd3|d5|e3|Be6|cxd5|O-O-O|dxc6|Rxd3|cxb7+|Kxb7 ]]

Key take-aways:

• White calmly develops, even returning the pawn at a convenient moment.
• Black regains material but must ensure the safety of the king; castling long is thematic.
• The open lines often lead to rich middlegame play rather than immediate tactical knockouts.

Example from Tournament Play

Alekhine – Prokeš, Marienbad 1925 (abridged):

1. 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Nf3 Nc6
2. 5. Bf4 Bb4+ 6. Nc3 Qe7 7. Qd5 f6 8. exf6 Nxf6 9. Qd3 d6
3. 10. e3 O-O 11. Be2 Ne4 12. O-O … and White’s extra pawn and central control eventually told.

The game showcases Alekhine’s preference for secure development and a later central pawn break (e3-e4) once his king was safe.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Budapest Gambit is one of the few “Indian” openings that starts with an immediate pawn sacrifice.
• Despite lending his name to the line, Alekhine never published a detailed analysis of 4. Nf3; his over-the-board successes alone popularized the move.
• Grandmaster Milan Vidmar reputedly called the gambit “the gentleman’s counter” because Black swiftly returns the pawn in many main lines, valuing piece activity more than material.
• Engine evaluations today hover around +0.3 for White—playable for Black, but demanding precise activity; the longer the game remains quiet, the more the extra pawn can matter.

Practical Tips

• As White, do not rush to hold the e5-pawn at all costs; development first, material second.
• As Black, if you cannot regain the pawn by move 10, consider immediate dynamic measures such as …f6 or …d6 combined with …Be6, rather than drifting into a passive position.
• Study both 4…Nc6 and 4…Bb4+ structures; the middlegames differ markedly (central tension vs. queenside majority).

ECO Classification

The Budapest Defense with 4. Nf3 falls under ECO code A52.