Queens Gambit Accepted — Alekhine Variation
Queen's Gambit Accepted, Alekhine Variation
Definition
The Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA), Alekhine Variation is a specific line in the QGA characterized by the early development of Black’s light-squared bishop to g4, pinning the white knight on f3. The critical position usually arises after the move order:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 dxc4 (Queen's Gambit Accepted)
- 3. Nf3 Nf6
- 4. e3 Bg4 (Alekhine Variation)
Usage in Play
Black’s fourth move, 4…Bg4, is aimed at rapid piece activity rather than immediate material restitution. By pinning the knight, Black discourages White’s typical central break e3-e4 and increases the pressure on the d4-square. The variation is therefore popular with players who favor dynamic, piece-play solutions to the QGA rather than the more classical …e6, …c5, and solid queen-side structure.
Strategic Themes
- Immediate Pin: The pin of the knight on f3 blocks White’s central ambitions. If White later plays h3, Black usually retreats to h5 or f5, maintaining the pressure.
- Delayed …e6 or …c5: Black often keeps both pawn breaks in reserve, choosing the most convenient moment to hit at the center.
- Pawn Structure: Because Black still holds the extra c-pawn, maintaining that pawn for as long as possible can irritate White, who must spend tempi recovering it (typically with Bxc4 or Qb3).
- Risk vs. Reward: If mishandled, the bishop can become a target after h3 and g4, giving White a kingside space advantage. Correct timing and coordination are therefore essential.
Historical Significance
The line is attributed to the fourth World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, who essayed it in the early 20th century to prove that the QGA could yield lively, unbalanced play. While not as popular today as other QGA systems, it periodically appears at top level, especially in rapid or blitz, because of its surprise value and straightforward piece activity.
Illustrative Game
One classic example is Alekhine’s own game against the Czech master Karel Treybal, Prague 1921, which reached a textbook Alekhine Variation and showcased Black’s active possibilities.
[[Pgn| d4|d5|c4|dxc4|Nf3|Nf6|e3|Bg4|Bxc4|e6|Nc3|Nbd7|h3|Bh5|O-O|c6|e4|Bb4|e5|Nd5|Ne4|O-O|a3|Be7|Re1|N5b6|Ba2|c5 |arrows|d7f6,f6g4|squares|g4]]Modern Examples
In recent years, grandmasters such as Levon Aronian and Dmitry Andreikin have used the Alekhine Variation in rapid events, demonstrating that the line remains strategically sound with accurate play.
Typical Continuations for White
- 5. Bxc4 — The straightforward recapture; White develops and prepares to castle.
- 5. h3 — Immediately questioning the bishop; if 5…Bxf3 6. Qxf3, White gains the bishop pair and a solid center.
- 5. Qa4+ — A check to regain the c4-pawn with tempo after 5…Nbd7 6. Qxc4.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Alekhine reportedly enjoyed surprising classical QGA specialists who expected slower systems; the sudden …Bg4 often led to sharp psychological skirmishes right out of the opening.
- Because the bishop frequently retreats to h5 or f5, many club players jokingly call it the “wandering bishop” variation.
- Computers initially disapproved of 4…Bg4 until the mid-2010s, but modern engines now evaluate the line as fully playable, giving roughly equal positions with precise play from both sides.