Alekhine Defense · B02

Scandinavian Variation, Geschev Gambit

1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. exd5 c6

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. 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. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the e4 pawn.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Scandinavian Variation.

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