Alekhine Defense · B02
Mokele Mbembe, Modern Line
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Ne4 3. d4 f6
In the centre, White holds d4 and e5.
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... Ne4 Repositions the knight to e4, where it hits the pawn on d2 and the pawn on f2. Theory calls this the Mokele Mbembe.
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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.