ECO code: B02
Alekhine: Scandinavian, Exchange, 4.Bc4 Nb6
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. exd5 Nxd5 4. Bc4 Nb6. Here, Black challenges White's bishop immediately by retreating the knight to b6, targeting the active bishop on c4. This is a specific line within the Alekhine Defense where Black adopts a Scandinavian-style pawn structure and piece placement.
Characteristic of the move 4...Nb6: Black's knight move to b6 is aimed at undermining White's bishop and forcing it to decide its position early. It also prepares to contest central squares later and eyes key control over the light squares.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is relatively flexible but tends to be more positional and development-focused rather than an immediate attack. White aims to maintain central presence and piece activity. Black’s move is somewhat defensive, rerouting the knight to a safer square while preparing counterplay against White's center.
Center Control: White maintains a strong foothold in the center, especially with pawns and pieces supporting central squares. Black, by exchanging in the center early and retreating the knight, adopts a more cautious stance but plans to challenge or undermine White’s center later.
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: Scandinavian, Exchange, 4.Bc4 Nb6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white