Alekhine Defense · B05
Modern Variation, Main Line
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg4
White builds a big centre and dares Black to attack 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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Where this fits
This line is one of 56 in the Alekhine Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.