QGA: 3.Nf3 e6 4.e4 - Alekhine Gambit

QGA: 3.Nf3 e6 4.e4 (Alekhine Gambit in the Queen’s Gambit Accepted)

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 e6 4.e4 is a sharp line of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA) in which White sacrifices the c-pawn to build a powerful pawn centre with e4 & d4. By inserting …e6 before White’s e-pawn advance, Black keeps the option of …c5 or …b5 and aims for rapid development. The line is traditionally called the Alekhine Gambit because World Champion Alexander Alekhine used it to good effect in the early 1920s.

Move Order & Basic Position

After the first four moves the position (FEN for reference: rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/4p3/8/2pPp3/5N2/PP3PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 5) looks like this:

• White pawns: d4 & e4 anchor an impressive centre.
• Black pawns: c4 remains on the board, temporarily stunting White’s queenside development.
• Minor pieces: White’s knight sits on f3; Black’s kingside pieces are still on the back rank.

Strategic Themes

• Central domination – White’s d- and e-pawns cramp Black and prepare e4-e5, d4-d5, or even Bxc4 to recover the pawn with initiative.
• Piece activity vs. material – Black keeps the extra pawn but must prove it by accurate development. One tempo of hesitation can spell trouble.
• Critical break …c5 – Black often challenges the centre with …c5 either immediately or after castling. If well-timed it equalises; if premature it can open lines for White’s bishops.
• Queenside counter-punch – The move …b5 is thematic, securing the c4-pawn and preparing …Bb7. White usually replies 5.a4.

Typical Continuations

1. 4…Nf6 5.Nc3 c5 – Black strikes in the centre; after 6.Bxc4 cxd4 7.Qxd4 Nc6 8.Qxd8+ White concedes the queen exchange for a lasting spatial edge.
2. 4…b5 5.a4 c6 6.axb5 cxb5 7.Nc3 – The “Kramer Line,” where Black clings to the pawn but lags in development.
3. 4…c5 5.Bxc4 – Black immediately returns the pawn for quick equality; resembles an IQP position after …cxd4.

Historical Significance

• Alexander Alekhine unleashed the gambit several times during the 1922 London and 1923 Karlsbad tournaments, amazing spectators with its dynamism.
• The line went out of fashion in the mid-20th century as Soviet theoreticians preferred quieter continuations (4.e3), but computer engines have recently revived interest by showing that White’s compensation is entirely sound.
• Modern grandmasters such as Richard Rapport and Sam Shankland have re-introduced it as a surprise weapon in rapid & blitz.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The short tactical crush below exhibits typical attacking motifs:

Usage in Opening Repertoire

• For White: An excellent choice to avoid deeply analysed main-line QGA theory (4.e3, 5.Bxc4) and to steer the game toward rich, tactical struggles.
• For Black: Studying precise reactions—especially the …c5 and …b5 plans—is essential to neutralise White’s initiative without drifting into a passive position.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Alekhine reportedly said he enjoyed this gambit because it “injects life into positions that others consider sterile.”
• In online blitz, the move 4.e4 scores disproportionately well for club players, largely because many Black opponents respond automatically with 4…Nf6 and get hit by the prepared thrust 5.e5.
• The line briefly appeared in computer–human match play when Kasparov used it in a 1998 training game versus the Deep Blue Junior prototype to test the engine’s opening book.

Conclusion

QGA: 3.Nf3 e6 4.e4 is a dynamic, historically rich gambit that trades a pawn for central domination and attacking chances. Its revival in the engine era underscores an eternal chess truth: time and activity can outweigh material. Whether you are a theoretician seeking surprise value or an adventurous player craving open battles, the Alekhine Gambit offers fertile ground.