QGA: Alekhine, 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4

QGA: Alekhine, 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4

Definition

The phrase “QGA: Alekhine, 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4” denotes a specific branch of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA) that arises after the moves:

1. 1.d4 d5
2. 2.c4 dxc4 (QGA — Black accepts the c-pawn)
3. 3.Nf3 Nf6
4. 4.e3 e6 (Alekhine Variation)
5. 5.Bxc4 (White recaptures the pawn)

Named after the fourth World Champion Alexander Alekhine, this variation emphasizes rapid piece development and secure central control for White, while Black strives for solid structure and timely counter-play.

Typical Move Order & Transpositional Possibilities

The core moves normally appear in one of two ways:

• Main Line: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4.
• Alternative Order: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.Bxc4 e6 (Black may insert …Bg4 first).

The position can transpose to other QGA structures, most often the Menchik or the Lasker lines, if Black delays …e6 or plays …c5 early.

Strategic Themes

• White’s Goals
  • Re-establish the classical pawn center with pawns on d4 & e3.
  • Finish development swiftly (Nc3, 0-0, Qe2/Rd1).
  • Use the extra tempo gained by chasing Black’s queen or pieces to generate kingside activity.
• Black’s Goals
  • Break in the center with …c5 or …e5 once development is complete.
  • Apply pressure on the d4-pawn; squares c5, d5, and e4 act as focal points.
  • Seek piece exchanges to neutralize White’s early initiative.

Theoretical Status

Engine assessments hover around equality (≈0.20 – 0.35 in White’s favor) but the line remains fully viable for both sides.

• Modern top-level games often transpose into Catalan-flavored structures after White plays g3 and Bg2.
• Black’s critical try: 5…c5 6.0-0 a6 7.Qe2 b5 (the Central Counter-Gambit) forcing concrete play.

Illustrative Game

An early showcase is Alekhine’s own victory, demonstrating the attacking chances that arise from swift development:

(Alekhine – Loewy, Vienna 1922).

Historical Notes

• Alexander Alekhine began employing 4.e3 as early as 1913, favoring the blend of solidity and latent aggression.
• The line’s popularity dipped after WWII when Soviet analysts preferred sharper 4.Nc3 or 4.e4 systems, but it resurged in the 1990s thanks to Kramnik and Short.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Alekhine reportedly liked 4.e3 because it allows White to slip into an attacking mood without giving Black clear targets.
• Modern engines still fail to refute Black’s ambitious 5…c5 gambit, making it a favorite surprise choice in rapid and blitz.
• The ECO code most often associated is D17, but older manuals list it under D21.