Alekhine Defense · B02

Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit

1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. Bc4 e6 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nxd5 exd5 8. Bxd5

The structure hands Black the half-open e-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.

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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