Alekhine Defense · B03

Four Pawns Attack, Tartakower Variation

1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6 7. Be3 Bf5 8. Nc3 e6 9. Nf3 Qd7 10. Be2 O-O-O 11. O-O Be7

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the f-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Kings castle on opposite wings - expect pawn storms racing at both kings.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Alekhine Defense.
• 2. e5 Puts the question to the knight on f6 - retreat, trade, or be taken.
• 2... Nd5 Repositions the knight to d5. It backs up the pawn on c7.

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