Slav Defense: Modern Alekhine Variation
Slav Defense, Modern Alekhine Variation
Definition
The Modern Alekhine Variation is a sharp and theoretically important branch of the
Slav Defense that arises after the moves
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. Ne5.
With 6.Ne5 White immediately questions the activity of Black’s Slav bishop on f5, while staking out central
space and preparing a rapid e2–e4 advance. The line is named after the fourth World Champion
Alexander Alekhine, who explored the idea of sacrificing time (and sometimes material) to
obtain attacking chances against the solid Slav set-up.
Key Position
After 6.Ne5 the position is shown in the interactive viewer below. Notice how the knight on e5 menaces c4 and f7,
and how Black’s queen bishop, although developed outside the pawn chain, can become a target.
Strategic Themes
- Pressure on c4 and b5: White threatens to regain the pawn on c4 and, after a well-timed axb5, to undermine any …b5 advance.
- Central expansion: Typical follow-ups include 7.f3 or 7.e3 aiming for e4 and a broad pawn center.
- Piece activity versus structure: Black often keeps the extra pawn but must spend tempi to hold it (…e6, …Nbd7, …Bb4+). White accepts a lead in development instead of immediate material recovery.
- The bishop pair dilemma: Black’s light-squared bishop is well placed on f5, yet after Ne5 a later g2–g4 or Qb3 can force it to make an uncomfortable choice.
Main Black Replies
- 6…Nbd7 – The most popular modern reply, reinforcing f6 and c5 while leaving the c8-bishop flexible.
- 6…e6 – Solid and classical; Black prepares …Bb4 or …Bb4+ followed by …c5.
- 6…Na6 – A sideline championed by grandmasters such as Grischuk; the knight supports …Nb4 and pressures d3.
Typical Plans for Each Side
- White
- Regain the c-pawn with Nxc4 or exploit it as a hook for a queenside attack.
- Play f2–f3 and e2–e4 to seize central space.
- Launch a kingside initiative with g2–g4, h2–h4 when the bishop sits on f5.
- Use a rook lift (Ra1–a3–g3) in certain attacking lines.
- Black
- Maintain the extra pawn and aim for a later …c5 break to liberate the position.
- Counter in the center with …e6 and …c5, or …Nbd7 followed by …e5 in some lines.
- Exploit the e5-knight as a potential target with …Nbd7 or …Bb4+.
- Seek simplification into an endgame where the queenside majority may become decisive.
Historical Significance
Alekhine unveiled the key idea of Ne5 in several exhibition and tournament games in the 1920s, most notably against
Yates (London, 1922) and Réti (Vienna, 1922). His willingness to concede material for
dynamic piece play embodied the hypermodern spirit of the era.
The line briefly fell out of favor during the classical Soviet school period, when
5…Bf5 itself was suspected. In the computer era its objective soundness was reaffirmed,
and elite players such as Vladimir Kramnik, Magnus Carlsen, and Fabiano Caruana have used
the Modern Alekhine Variation to fight for an opening advantage.
Illustrative Games
-
A. Alekhine – F. Yates, London 1922
Alekhine’s sparkling exchange sacrifice (Rxa7!) set the tone for future adventures in the line. -
V. Kramnik – V. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 2000
Kramnik demonstrated the subtle f2–f3 & e2–e4 plan, squeezing out a small but lasting edge that he later converted. -
M. Carlsen – D. Jakovenko, Tal Memorial 2016
Carlsen used the Modern Alekhine Variation as a surprise weapon, showing that even at the highest level the line can yield rich positional play without forcing drawish simplifications.
Theoretical Status
According to modern engines and correspondence practice, the position after 6.Ne5 is roughly equal, but dynamically so. White scores healthily at club level because the ensuing middlegames are strategically demanding for Black, who must balance the extra pawn against long-term structural risks.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 6.Ne5 was once considered “too early” by classical theorists; Alekhine proved them wrong by winning several brilliancy prizes with it.
- Grandmaster Matthew Sadler calls 6.Ne5 “the gentleman’s gambit” because White politely asks for the pawn back rather than grabbing it immediately.
- In the age of tablebases the line still produces decisive results far above 40%, underscoring its fighting nature.
Practical Tips
- Be ready to meet the typical …Bb4+ with Bd2 or Qd2; conserving bishop pairs often pays dividends.
- If Black plays …e6 early, remember that the c8-bishop is shut in; consider long-term plans that exploit the light-square weakness.
- A timely h2–h3 and Bxc4 recapture can neutralize Black’s initiative while steering toward calmer waters if you prefer.
In summary, the Modern Alekhine Variation of the Slav Defense is a flexible, strategically rich choice for White and a serious theoretical test for Black. Its blend of classical development and hypermodern pressure on the center continues to inspire players from club enthusiasts to World Champions.