1.e4 — the open games
Alekhine's Defence
1.e4 Nf6ECO B02–B05
Black provokes White into overextending. The knight invites the centre pawns forward — 2.e5, 3.d4, 4.c4 — then sets about attacking that big pawn front from all sides. Hypermodern, provocative and sharp.
Key ideas
- 1…Nf6 attacks e4 on move one and dares White to chase the knight with pawns.
- White's broad centre (the Four Pawns Attack is the most ambitious) can become a strength or a target.
- Black strikes back with …d6, …c5 and piece pressure, hoping the advanced pawns become weaknesses.
Who it suits
Players who enjoy provocative, counter-attacking chess and are happy to give White space to later undermine it.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Alekhine's Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer