Alekhine's Defense
Main Line
1. e4 Nf6
Overview
A provocative defense where Black invites White to chase the knight with pawns. After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6, Black aims to undermine the overextended center. Named after world champion Alexander Alekhine.
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Open chess.rodeo ↗Related Openings
1. e4 c5
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5
Frequently asked questions
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What is the Alekhine's Defense?
The Alekhine's Defense (ECO code B02) is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 Nf6. A provocative defense where Black invites White to chase the knight with pawns. After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6, Black aims to undermine the overextended center. Named after world champion Alexander Alekhine.
What are the main moves of the Alekhine's Defense?
The main line of the Alekhine's Defense is 1. e4 Nf6. It is classified under ECO code B02 and falls in the Semi-Open Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.
Is the Alekhine's Defense good for beginners?
The Alekhine's Defense is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to semi-open game positions. The main line (1. e4 Nf6) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.
What ECO code is the Alekhine's Defense?
The Alekhine's Defense is classified as ECO code B02. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.
How do I analyze my Alekhine's Defense games for free?
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