ECO code: B02
Alekhine Defense
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6
The Alekhine Defense is a provocative and hypermodern opening where Black immediately challenges White’s central control by attacking the e4 pawn with the knight. Instead of occupying the center with pawns, Black invites White to advance their central pawns early, aiming to undermine and counterattack them later.
Characteristics: This opening is characterized by Black’s knight actively pressuring White’s center from the outset, encouraging White to push pawns forward. Black plans to attack the overextended pawns in the center rather than directly occupying it.
Playing Style: For Black, the Alekhine Defense is an aggressive and counterattacking choice. It is considered a defensive move in the sense that Black does not immediately stake a claim in the center but looks to undermine White’s center. For White, it encourages an attacking approach by gaining space in the center.
Center Control: White gains a strong presence in the center early on, while Black aims to challenge and attack this center rather than occupying it. Therefore, this opening is more about controlling and attacking the center from a distance than direct occupation by Black.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Alekhine Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 281 - Move #2 black