B02–B05 Semi-open games

Alekhine Defense

Black invites White's pawns forward, then attacks the extended center.

Best for

Counterattacking players who enjoy provoking space and undermining it later.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

0 started · 0 mastered

01Alekhine DefenseB02 · 1 movenew02Alekhine Defense: Krejcik VariationB02 · 2 movesnew03Alekhine Defense: Maróczy VariationB02 · 2 movesnew04Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn VariationB02 · 2 movesnew05Alekhine Defense: Mokele MbembeB02 · 2 movesnew

Browse all 56 lines

Open the catalogue only when you need a specific branch.

Modern Variation12 lines
Four Pawns Attack8 lines
Hunt Variation4 lines
Main line4 lines
Two Pawns Attack4 lines
Exchange Variation3 lines
Mokele Mbembe3 lines
Scandinavian Variation3 lines
Brooklyn Variation2 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Advance with a supported center.
  2. 02 Develop behind the pawns before pushing again.
  3. 03 Keep d5 and e5 protected.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Attack the center with ...d6 and ...c5.
  2. 02 Use pieces to pressure e5.
  3. 03 Castle before opening more lines.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

e5 is White's advanced anchor, d6 attacks it, and c5 undermines d4.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Support advanced pawns with pieces.
  • Target the base of White's center instead of moving the knight repeatedly.