ECO code: B03
Alekhine Defense: Exchange Variation, 5...cxd6 6.Nc3
The Alekhine Defense begins with 1.e4 Nf6, inviting White to advance pawns early and gain central space. After 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6, White captures on d6 with 5.exd6, and Black recaptures with 5...cxd6. The move 6.Nc3 develops White’s knight to a natural square, supporting the center and preparing to increase control over the d5 and e4 squares.
Characteristic of 6.Nc3: This move emphasizes rapid development and solid control of the center, reinforcing White’s spatial advantage gained from the earlier pawn advances.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is generally attacking, as White holds a strong central presence and aims to exploit Black’s somewhat passive knight placement on b6. Black's setup is more defensive, focusing on undermining White's center and counterattacking later.
Center Control: This opening strongly attacks and controls the center from the start. White’s early pawn pushes and piece placements are designed to maintain central dominance, while Black seeks counterplay by challenging this center.
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: Exchange, 5...cxd6 6.Nc3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #27 white