The Catalan Opening: Open Defense, Alekhine Variation reaches a named position after 7 moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 a6 7. Qc2
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
White combines Queen's Gambit pressure with a g2 bishop aimed along the long diagonal.
What to look for
- Protect the queenside dark squares.
- Challenge White's center with ...c5.
- Return c4 when holding it costs development.
Position details
This line branches from Catalan Opening: Open Defense with a6.
r1bqkb1r/1ppn1ppp/p3pn2/8/2QP4/6P1/PP2PPBP/RNB1K1NR w KQkq - 0 7