Openings Guide / Semi-Open Games (1.e4, not 1...e5)

Alekhine's Defense (B02)

1.e4 Nf6

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About this Opening

Alekhine's Defense is a provocative hypermodern opening where Black invites White to chase the knight with pawns. Named after World Champion Alexander Alekhine, it is based on a central strategy: allow White to over-extend the center, then systematically undermine it.

After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6, Black aims to attack White's pawns with ...c5 and ...dxe5. The Four Pawns Attack (4.c4 Nb6 5.f4) is the most aggressive and principled response for White. Alekhine's is a fighting choice for players who want to unbalance the position immediately.

➕ Pros

Creates dynamic, unbalanced positions from move 1
Surprises opponents unfamiliar with the theory
Black gets active piece play after undermining the center

➖ Cons

Black's knight is pushed around in the opening
White gains a large central space advantage
Requires confidence in passive-looking but active positions

Key Variations

Variation	Moves
Four Pawns Attack	2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.f4
Modern Variation	2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4
Exchange Variation	2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6

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