ECO code: B03
Alekhine Defense: Exchange Variation, 5...exd6 6.Nc3 Be7
In this line of the Alekhine Defense, after the initial moves 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6 exd6, Black recaptures on d6 with the pawn, and after 6.Nc3, Black plays 6...Be7. This move develops the bishop to a solid and flexible square, preparing for kingside castling while maintaining a solid pawn structure.
Characteristic: The move 6...Be7 is a classical and flexible developing move that supports Black's king safety and prepares to complete development without pushing pawns further, aiming for a solid but somewhat restrained setup.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this is more of a defensive and positional approach, focusing on completing development and maintaining a strong pawn structure rather than immediate counterattacks. White, on the other hand, holds a slight spatial advantage in the center and can look to build a more aggressive setup.
Center Control: The opening focuses on fighting for the center indirectly. White has a strong pawn presence in the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black challenges the center mainly through piece pressure rather than direct pawn confrontation. Overall, the center is contested, but White has a slight spatial advantage.
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...exd6 6.Nc3 Be7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #30 white