Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation
ECO B04 · Alekhine Defense · tactical · intermediate
The Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation (B04) 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. Nf3. Main line attacking the pawn chain. Dynamic play. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3
About this opening
The Modern Variation (4.Nf3) is today the main road against the Alekhine: rather than overextending its pawns, White calmly develops the pieces and keeps a flexible center, considered the soundest try for a small lasting edge. Black continues the usual undermining plan with ...dxe5 and ...Bg4. The play is strategic, based on a measured occupation of the center rather than its overextension.