Queen's Gambit Accepted: Alekhine–Borisenko–Furman
Queen's Gambit Accepted, Alekhine – Borisenko – Furman Variation
Definition
The Alekhine–Borisenko–Furman Variation is a dynamic branch of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA) that begins with:
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6.
It is catalogued under ECO codes D27–D28. World Champion Alexander Alekhine experimented with 6…a6 in the 1930s, while Ukrainian GM Mykhailo Borisenko and celebrated trainer Semyon Furman contributed extensive analyses during the Soviet era, giving the line its triple-barrelled name.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 dxc4 – the QGA proper
- 3. Nf3 Nf6
- 4. e3 e6 – Black supports …c5, White prepares to regain the pawn
- 5. Bxc4 c5 – immediate central counter-thrust
- 6. O-O a6 – key move, preparing …b5 and restraining Bc4-b5
Strategic Ideas
- For Black
- …c5 challenges the centre and can transform the structure with …cxd4.
- …a6-b5 gains queenside space, chases the Bc4 and often paves the way for …Bb7.
- Accepting an isolated queen’s pawn after …cxd4 and …exd5 is common; activity is the compensation.
- For White
- Rapid development (Nc3, Qe2, Rd1) followed by d4-d5 in favourable moments.
- Targeting the f7-square: Bc4 and Rf1 can generate early pressure if Black is careless.
- End-games favour White if Black’s IQP becomes weak and pieces are exchanged.
Model Sequence
The following 10-move sample shows the main tabiya and typical piece placement:
Key Pawn Structures
- IQP Structure: After …cxd4 & exd4, Black is left with an isolated pawn on d5 (later d5), trading structural weakness for piece activity.
- Hanging Pawns: If Black recaptures with …exd5 while pawns remain on c5 & d5, the celebrated “hanging pawns” offer dynamic chances but need constant care.
- Carlsbad Mirror: Should White avoid dxc5, the resulting symmetrical structure lets either side mount a minority-attack with a well-timed pawn storm on the queenside.
Historical Notes
• Alekhine first analysed 6…a6 in off-hand games, seeking a Sicilian-style queenside expansion in a 1.d4 opening.
• Borisenko popularised the idea in the 1950s USSR Championships, introducing improvements in move orders.
• Furman’s deep notebooks on the variation were heavily used by his protégé Anatoly Karpov during his rise to the World Championship.
Practical Tips
- If you play Black, memorise the tactical motifs around the d4-square; a single mis-timed capture can leave you a pawn down with no compensation.
- White should decide early whether to capture on c5; waiting too long allows …b5-b4, driving the Nc3 away and cements Black’s space.
- Both sides should be comfortable playing against the IQP: manoeuvring pieces, controlling the d-file, and timing breaks (…e5 or d4-d5).
Interesting Facts
- The prophylactic …a6 in this QGA line foreshadowed similar ideas in the Najdorf Sicilian and Meran Slav, underlining the universality of the move.
- Despite lending his name, Alekhine never played the variation in a top-level tournament; most of his tests were in simultaneous exhibitions.
- Modern engines confirm Furman’s 1960s conclusion: with accurate play, Black fully equalises, making the line a popular surprise weapon in elite events.