ECO code: B03
Alekhine Defense: Four Pawns Attack, 5...dxe5
The Four Pawns Attack in the Alekhine Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4. Here, Black challenges White's strong central pawn structure with the move 5...dxe5, immediately capturing one of White’s advanced pawns.
Characteristic of 5...dxe5: This move is a direct counterattack on White's center, aiming to undermine White’s powerful pawn chain and create counterplay. By exchanging pawns early, Black seeks to simplify the position somewhat and reduce White’s spatial advantage.
From White's perspective, this line remains very much attacking, as White has built a broad and imposing pawn center that supports aggressive piece play. Black's move is somewhat defensive in nature, as it tries to challenge and break down White’s center before White can fully mobilize.
The opening definitely attacks the center: White aggressively occupies and expands in the center with pawns on e5, d4, c4, and f4, while Black responds by challenging these pawns directly with piece pressure and pawn exchanges.
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: Four Pawns Attack, 5...dxe5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 5 - Move #9 white