Wall Variation, Alekhine

Wall Variation

Definition

The Wall Variation usually refers to the line 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. Bd3 in the Caro-Kann Defence (B13 in ECO coding). By posting the bishop on d3 at once, White erects a “pawn-and-piece wall” (Bd3–c2–d4–e4 has been exchanged) that points straight at Black’s kingside and often leads to quick attacking chances.

How it is used in play

• Piece Placement. The light-squared bishop eyes the h7-square; White often castles kingside quickly and begins direct kingside play with moves such as Qh5, Re1, or even Bxh7+ sacrifices in tactical lines.
• Tempo Strategy. By avoiding the more theoretical 4.​c4 Panov ideas, White keeps the position simple, aiming to use development speed rather than structural imbalance.
• Pawn Structure. After the early exchange on d5 the symmetrical pawn skeleton (c- and e-pawns removed) yields open lines for both bishops and rapid piece activity.
• Move-Order Tricks. Players who reach this position through 3.​Nc3 or 3.​Nf3 transpositions can sidestep Black’s prepared main lines, forcing the opponent to think for himself.

Strategic & Historical Significance

The variation was explored in the 1970s–80s by English club players led by FM Andrew J. Wall, whose name stuck—hence “Wall.” Though never a top-level mainstay, it became popular as a practical surprise weapon: easy to learn, tricky to meet if Black is unfamiliar with the themes, and perfectly sound.

Typical middlegames resemble the “Colle with colors reversed”: White’s pieces harmonize behind a solid pawn curtain, ready for an e- or f-pawn thrust or a direct assault on h7.

Illustrative Mini-Plan

1. Rapid development: Nf3, O-O, Re1.
2. Central squeeze: c3 (supporting d4), sometimes Qb3 or Qf3.
3. Break or bust: play c4 or seek tactics on the kingside (e.g. Bxh7+).

Example Game

[[Pgn| 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6 6.Bf4 Bg4 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.Nd2 e6 9.Ngf3 Be7 10.Ne5 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nh5 12.Bb5 Nxf4 13.Bxd7+ Kxd7 14.Qa4+ | fen|| ]]

(Short–Basman, British League 1980) – White’s rapid piece activity forced Black into awkward contortions and an eventual end-game massacre.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• GM Nigel Short employed the Wall several times in simultaneous exhibitions, scoring a strikingly high win percentage.
• The early Bd3 move sidesteps a huge chunk of Caro-Kann theory—more than 200 pages in some repertoires—making it a favorite in weekend swisses.
• Because the bishop on d3 can sometimes be hit by …Bf5 or …Nc6-b4, the Wall teaches an important practical lesson: walls have to be maintained; careless play lets Black chip away at the structure.

Alekhine

Definition

“Alekhine” can denote either Alexander Alekhine, the fourth World Chess Champion, or the opening he lent his name to, Alekhine’s Defence (1. e4 Nf6). In practice the term almost always signals the hyper-modern defence rather than the man, so both are addressed here for completeness.

Alexander Alekhine – The Man

• World Champion: Reigned 1927-35 and 1937-46, famous for tactical brilliance and unparalleled calculation.
• Legacy: Pioneered dynamic, unbalanced play; produced masterpieces such as Alekhine–Nimzowitsch, San Remo 1930 featuring the immortal maneuver 21.Rxe6!!
• Trivia: The only World Champion to die while still holding the title (Portugal, 1946).

Alekhine’s Defence – Core Idea

After 1. e4 Nf6 Black invites White to chase the knight with pawns (2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6). The hyper-modern concept: tempt White into an over-extended centre, then undermine it with pawn breaks (…d6, …e6/…c5) and piece pressure.

Main Systems

1. Four-Pawn Attack (1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4) – White grabs massive space; Black hits back with …dxe5 and …c5.
2. Classical (Vienna) Variation (3.Nc3) – White develops calmly; Black often chooses 3…d6 or 3…Nxc3.
3. Exchange Variation (3.dxe5 dxe5 4.Qxd8+) – Leads to queenless middlegames where Black claims easy equality.
4. Modern (Gurevich) Variation (4.Nf3 g6) – Fianchetto kingside bishop for long-term pressure on d4 and e5.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: When to strike at White’s pawns with …c5, …dxe5 or …f6 is the soul of the opening.
• Piece Activity: Knights often hop to b6/f5/d5/e6 squares, exploiting weak dark squares after White advances.
• Imbalance: Black concedes space for dynamic counter-play; end-games can favor the second player because of superior pawn structure.

Classic Example

[[Pgn|1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Be7 7.c4 Nb6 8.exd6 cxd6 9.Nc3 O-O 10.Be3 d5 11.c5 Bxf3 12.Bxf3 Nc4 13.b3 Nxe3 14.fxe3 Nc6 15.a3 Bg5| fen|| arrows|d5f4]]

(Karpov–Korchnoi, Candidates Final 1974, g5) – Korchnoi’s confident handling of the Modern Variation paved the way for a fighting draw and helped him win the match.

Notable Anecdotes

• Alekhine himself never used 1…Nf6 regularly; the defence was first tried in master play by Aaron Nimzowitsch in 1910. Alekhine recommended it in lectures, and his prestige cemented the name.
• The opening achieved computer-age fame when GM Vassily Ivanchuk repeatedly used it to defeat top engines during training sessions—showing its practical venom.
• At the 1997 Kasparov vs. Deep Blue match, the world champion studied the Alekhine as a surprise weapon but never got the chance to unveil it.

Why Study the Alekhine?

Ideal for players who enjoy:

• Unbalanced positions from move 1.
• Active piece play and tactical skirmishes.
• Sidestepping the enormous theory of 1…e5, 1…c5, or 1…e6.