The Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Alekhine Variation reaches a named position after 11 moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6 8. Bd3 dxc4 9. Bxc4 Nd5 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. Ne4
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
Black keeps the d5 strongpoint and accepts a compact position before breaking with ...c5.
What to look for
- Pressure d5 with pieces.
- Use the minority attack when the c- and d-pawns clarify.
- Prepare e4 without allowing tactical counterplay.
Position details
This line branches from Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Bd3 Line with Ne4.
r1b2rk1/pp1nqppp/2p1p3/3n4/2BPN3/4PN2/PP3PPP/2RQK2R b K - 1 11