Alekhine Defense
ECO B03 · Alekhine Defense · tactical · intermediate
The Alekhine Defense (B03) is a tactical chess opening in the Alekhine Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4. Provokes white pawn advances to attack them later. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4
About this opening
The Alekhine Defense (1.e4 Nf6) is the hypermodern archetype: Black invites White's pawns forward (e5, d4, sometimes c4 in the Four Pawns Attack) in order to attack them later. White's imposing center can become a target or a strength, depending on both sides' precision. Alexander Alekhine launched it in the 1920s; it remains a counterattacking weapon for enterprising players.