ECO code: B02
Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4
This variation of the Alekhine Defense is characterized by White aggressively pushing two pawns (e5 and c4) to challenge Black’s knight on d5 and gain strong spatial control over the center. By playing 3. c4, White attacks Black’s knight and aims to seize the center with pawns on e5 and c4, putting immediate pressure on Black’s position.
From White’s perspective, this line is decidedly attacking, as White tries to dominate the center and restrict Black’s piece activity early on. Black, meanwhile, adopts a more defensive and counterattacking stance, often aiming to undermine White’s advanced pawns later in the game.
Overall, this opening directly attacks the center, with White grabbing central space and forcing Black’s knight to relocate. It leads to dynamic play where White holds a spatial advantage, but Black seeks counterplay by targeting the overextended pawns.
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: Two Pawns Attack, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 43 - Move #6 white