ECO code: B03
Alekhine Defense: Four Pawns Attack, Main Line
This opening arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6 7. Be3. It is a sharp and ambitious line where White aggressively pushes four central pawns (e5, d4, c4, and f4) to gain maximum space and control over the center early in the game.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this line is White’s bold pawn expansion, challenging Black’s position by grabbing significant central territory. Black, in turn, aims to undermine this center through piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.
Playing Style: From White’s perspective, this is a highly attacking opening, aiming to dominate the center and launch offensive operations. Black adopts a more defensive and counterattacking stance, looking to exploit the overextended White pawns and regain central influence.
Center Control: Yes, this opening is strongly focused on controlling and attacking the center, with White establishing a broad pawn chain and Black working to challenge it tactically and strategically.
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: Four Pawns Attack, Main Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #22 black