is alekhine defense sound

If he manages to do that, he can usually count on an advantage out of the opening as he typically controls more space. Tucker and Long - Alekhine's Defense: Bronstein-Ljubojevic Weinstein - The Alekhine 1977 Others? A bargain. The subject of this chapter is which has become fairly popular recently. The Alekhine Defence: Move by Move Cyrus Lakdawala. Therefore, White needs to immediately force Black to determine its position by playing 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4!. White solves the problem of an unpleasant pin with this active move. The knight maneuvering in this variation of the Scandinavian Defence resembles that in one of the variations of the Slav Defence. A Complete Guide [Kalinichenko Nikolay] on Amazon.com. But I run out of ideas in the following line: 4. f4 dxe5 5. fxe5. In chapter 4 the author covers the alternatives on move 6 for Black: 6...Nd7 (6...g6) both connected to the fianchetto of the king's bishop. Chapter 8 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Nb6Â, In the last chapter, the author analyzes some rare alternatives for Black on the 4th move as 4...Nb6 and 4...Bf5.In the case of the former, GM Efimenko recommends a very interesting approach 5.a4!? The Alekhine Defense is a hypermodern defense against the ever so popular e4 opening from white. Refuting Previous Sound Opening Lines With Surgical Precision Lines covered in the French, Caro-Kann & Alekhine defense GrandMaster Roman Dzindzichashvili: Former two time U.S. Champion & … Nc3 d6 Alekhine Defense. After 4...Nf6 5.d3 Black has a wide choice of options, including developing the bishop to g4 and f5. During his best years he dominated tournaments, and in 1927 he defeated his great rival José Raúl Capablanca to win the world title. White has several promising continuations now, but the author prefers 9.Nxg6 hxg6 10.Bg2 c6 11.g5! which leads to either a better endgame thanks to the bishop pair, or a middlegame where White holds a significant space advantage. The repertoire against the Alekhine Defence that GM Efimenko suggests is based on the Modern Variation. Complete Repertoire against Alekhine and ScandinavianÂ. Chess Only. In the Alekhine Defence, contrary to the classical methods of playing in the opening, Black does not fight for the centre with his pawns, but begins to exert immediate pressure against White's centre. White wants to determine the position of the Black bishop and seize space on the queenside at the same time. In the endgame, this kind of a permanent structural defect becomes even more pronounced and White typically claims a slight but solid edge. In some cases, there are even overlaps in the type of position that arises out of the opening, such as the Scandinavian gambit (2.exd5 Nf6) which can lead to an Alekhine-Defence type of position once Black recaptures on d5 with the knight.The database, which consists of 15 chapters and 15 test positions, can naturally be divided into two parts. Copyright © 2021   e-shop Мodern Chess Magazine. Grandmaster Nick de Firmian observes of Alekhine's Defence in MCO-15, "The … The most solid one is 5...Bg4 when after 6.h3 Bxf3!? Jul-15-13 : TheFocus: Hey I picked up the DeLucia 2-volume set for $675. The most logical developing sequence is 6...Bg4 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.0-0 0-0-0 when Black puts maximum pressure on the exposed d4-pawn. You will learn chess openings, chess endgame, chess traps, chess ratings, theory and the best chess games of the top chess players in the world. The Alekhine Defence is particularly applicable in encounters against players who are inferior in class, as well as in games with a short time-control. Even Graham Burgess’ text on the Alekhine doesn’t give it a single note game. (For all the junk lines people will play against you) Rev. The weakening of d5-square is negligible as Black cannot utilize it as an outpost for his pieces and White typically gets at least a slight advantage out of the opening. Similarly to the Alekhine Defence, the author believes that the most principled response is 6.Bc4 limits the opponent's active options in the centre, while also supporting d4-d5 in some cases. Alekhine's defence, two pawns' attack, Mikenas variation 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. preparing to develop the bishop to an unusual diagonal a3-f8 in order to attack the exposed black queen and the pawn on e7. Olexandr Bortnyk and the Alekhine defence O. Bortnyk won the U18 Youth championship, consistently playing the Alekhine and winning 2 wins and one draw. Stream Tracks and Playlists from … In Alekhine's Defense, black responds to the King's Pawn Opening by bringing out the King's Knight with: 1...Nf6.The opening is named after world champion Alexander Alekhine, who is responsible for much of its popularity. The knight is placed well on e3- keeping an eye on the key d5-square, while the bishop on e5 exerts pressure on Black's position. Geo Milev, 10. A similar plan is available to White in the main line with the pawn on d4, but the main difference is that here the d-pawn will not be exposed on d4. Webdesign from webdesign studio Strangers. Alekhine defense has a unique idea that black moves a piece in the opening instead of moving pawns in order to control the center. The main line continues 9...Ne5 10.Bf4 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 Nxf3 12.Qxf3 e5 13.dxe6 Qxe6 when the position has simplified considerably. Stephan Oliver Platz had a look at the games which Alekhine played with the Philidor and concludes that the 4th World Champion was very successful with this opening! White activates the queen and prepares long castling, but still keeps an option of castling kingside, depending on Black's response. Sitemap. GM Efimenko suggests the flexible approach where we keep the central tension instead of capturing on d6. As usual with the knight on e5, Black's best policy is to challenge it as quickly as possible. This move has become popular in 2020, mostly thanks to Magnus Carlsen who has employed it successfully in several blitz games. Attacking artist Alekhine playing the Philidor Defense, an opening that is reputed to be slightly passive? Otherwise, Black runs into problems with his light-squared bishop. His new training DVD in the ChessBase video format is a course in the Alekhine Defence (1.e4 Nf6), making it an excellent repertoire DVD against 1.e4. At this point, GM Efimenko suggests a strong new idea for White which allows him to keep exerting pressure on Black's rather solid position. Chess Database Usage. Black has a variety of options, the most common one being, As we have seen in the first two chapters, in the, Chapter 14 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8, Adress: Petrich (2850), Bulgaria, str. Bc4 e6 6. 1. e4 Nf6. The main line continues 7...Bg6 Ne5 Nd7. A fianchetto is a reasonable option for Black in such positions as the bishop on g7 intends to put the pressure on the d4-pawn. Chapter 12 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4, Black develops the bishop to an active square and creates the pin which could destabilize d4-pawn. The point is that after 7...dxe5 8.Ne5 Be2 9.Qe2 taking the central pawn is connected to great risks for Black in the view of his poor development, so it is best to be avoided. Therefore, the Brooklyn Variation of Alekhine’s Defense is an ugly stepchild variation of an ugly stepchild opening. The Alekhine Defence has never been considered as one of the first-rate openings, but it should not be underestimated, either. The queen is fairly safe from attacks on this square. As GM Efimenko explains, Black's best choice is to prepare the exchange of light-squared bishops with the maneuver 9...Be6 10.Nd2 Nd7 11.Nef3 Nc7 yet here 12.Ne4 followed by c2-c3 provides White with a pleasant space advantage since Black can hardly break in the centre with ...c5 or ...e5. This position has not been met in many practical games, but with correct play, Black can obtain only a slightly worse but playable position.Â, Black's most common alternative on the 6th move is 6...c6. Chapter 9 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.Bc4. I wanted to try a sound defense to 1. e4 that would give me dynamic play (so I could play for a win against weaker players), but not be super fashionable (so I could hope to ambush a stronger player). White completed the development of his pieces and strengthened the central pawns. Black here can choose to play a sharp line capturing with his king pawn or play super aggressive and capture with his c pawn and really open things up. In the main line that goes 5...Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 GM Efimenko prefers 7.Qe2 over the aggressive 7.Ng5 because the latter leads to a rather drawish endgame in his opinion. The idea is to continue d2-d3 and put the bishop on d2, threatening to trap the Black queen. A notable upside of postponing the tempting c2-c4 move is that we can develop the bishop to this square in some variations, thereby putting pressure on the Black knight on d5 and keeping the d4-pawn solidly protected with c2-c3.Â, Chapter 1 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4, In the first chapter, the author covers the historically most popular move in this position 4...Bg4 which, however, is not as popular in modern times. It is generally not recommended to play twice with the knight in the opening, but in this case, it is justified as White prevents Black from developing the bishop to g4 or f5, while also preparing to use the exposed position of the Black queen with useful tempo moves like Nc4 and Bf4. an interesting novelty that he launched himself against IM M.Kopylov. The database can be searched via many criteria, including chess players, chess opening, player ratings, game result, and the year the chess game was played. He also might look to play the exchange variation that follows the four pawn attack but instead of the last pawn, instead opts to exchange with the d6 pawn. Chapter 13 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6. The best place to take your chess game to the next level. Another important point behind g2-g3 is that we can win a tempo for development by attacking the queen with Bf4 in some cases. The line continues 8...e6 9.c4 N5f6 10.Nc3. Part 1 - Alekhine Defence At the end of the database, you will find a test section with 15 interactive training positions. Nc3 d6 After 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Black has three main queen retreats (3...Qa5, 3...Qd6, 3...Qd8) that will be examined in Chapters 9 through 14. Black can choose to head for mind-boggling complications or carefully manoeuvre across the 6th to 8th ranks, waiting for the right time to strike out at the center. Get Unlimited Access To All Of Our Strategies, Practice Games And More. 7.0-0. In response to 7...Nd7 White should avoid the exchange of knights by playing 8.Nf3. In these structures, Black often has problems with space, so it is best to keep more pieces on the board. I'm a casual, semi-serious chess player and have been an active player for over 10 years. Now White needs to play precisely to keep the advantage: 7.0-0 Bg7 8.Re1 0-0 9.Nd2 this developing move, preferred by top GMs Grischuk and Dominguez, is the most precise. This approach has become quite popular for Black recently.Â, After 5.Nxe5 Black has a couple of developing schemes. Really? After the moves 5.Be2 e6 6.0-0 Be7 7.h3 Bh5 8.c4 Nb6 9.Nc3 0-0 10.Be3Â, At this point, we have also reached the tabiya of this variation. After the standard 6...Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.h3, Black usually continues 8...a6 taking control over the b5-square and potentially preparing an extended fianchetto of the light-squared bishop with ...b7-b5. Against the main line 10...Bd6 Efimenko recommends 11.Nh4 Bg6 12.c5!? The advantage of 4.Nf3 over the previously mentioned variations is that it allows White to keep the space advantage in the centre without overextending his pawns. He accepts a slightly inferior position but gets a fairly easy piece development in return. Black is solid and has very few weaknesses, but White's obvious space advantage should give him the upper hand as long as he can keep his strong pawn centre well-defended. Black's idea is to provoke White into overextending his central pawns so that they could be attacked and undermined more easily later. After 9.Bf4 Qd8 (9...Qd7 is an important alternative), White has a sequence of two strong centralizing moves: 10.Be5 Be6 11.Ne3. Black's knight on f6 attacks the pawn on e4, and if it advances, then … Both are relatively rare but quite provocative openings in the sense that Black lures White into pushing his central pawns in the opening, only to attack and undermine them later. From here things start to change and each variation takes on its on characteristics. In exchange for the center control, black will look to undermine the overextended pawns from white. Contrary to the belief of some, the opening is sound and Black doesn’t wander into the hinterlands of the impermissible. Chapter 3 - 5 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5, As we have seen in the first two chapters, in the Alekhine Defence Black usually tries to keep the tension in the centre and attack it with his pieces. As White takes space on the queenside and creates a safe position for the queen on b3. The first eight chapters deal with the Alekhine Defence, while the last seven cover the Scandinavian. In some cases, this pressure can be increased with ...Nc6, ...0-0-0.Now the Bc4, d3 plan does not work that well as black queen is not exposed on a5, so the author recommends the classical: 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3.Â, We reach the 'tabiya' of this variation in which Black has many possible development directions. This has been played by many strong players, including Magnus Carlsen. GM Efimenko generally recommends a sound positional approach against both Defences, yet he does not shy away from the double-edged recommendations if they are the principled or critical continuation in the position. a5 6.Nc3 and now in the case of the most common g6 he continues with the aggressive pawn play 7.h4.Â. It is important that the bishop on c4 is defended by Nd2 so that Black does not have ...Ne/c3 tactics. Alexander Alekhine was a two-time World Chess Champion and is widely regarded to be one of the greatest chess players of all time. The Alekhine Defense is a hypermodern defense against the ever so popular e4 opening from white. Consequently, after the natural development moves 9.Bd3 Nbd7 10.0-0-0 Black can play 10...Bb4 11.Ne2 he could play 11...Nd5 without worrying about the exchange. Alekhine Defense. Lets learn ideas. In response, he suggests that we show restraint and complete our development with the classical 5.Be2 Bg4 6.c4 Nb6. At this point, it is important to remember that the crucial move is 7.Nbd2 helping us neutralize Black's attack on the central pawns and allowing us to avoid unfavorable exchanges. GM Efimenko analyzes four possibilities for Black in this position 5...a6, 5...g6, 5...Nc6, 5...Bg4.Chapter 10 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6, The move 5...a6 leads to sharp play as Black takes control of the b5-square and then typically completes queenside development with ...Bg4, ...Nc6, and ...0-0-0. Here White can typically exert pressure on both flanks by continuing Bd3, Kh2, Rg1, and b2-b4-b5, etc. IM Andrew Martin provides sound, active recommendations for Black, modified if necessary to account for the passing of time and which can be used at all levels of play. Stockfish seems to favor c5, but I can't figure out how to play that well. 119 Followers. White's imposing mass of pawns in the centre often includes pawns on c4, d4, e5, and f4. In my time playing, one of the most unusual openings I have had the pleasure of playing against is known as Alekhine's Defense: [FEN ""] 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 In the above line I gave the usual move 3.d4. After the principled 6.Bc4 Black should choose between the ambitious 6...Be6 and the most common 6...c66...Be6 has been the new trend as it was employed by no less than the World Champion himself. Black has a variety of options, the most common one being 10...d5 Black tries to block the centre and here the author favours the following course of action: 11.c5 Bxf3 12.gxf3 Nc8 13.f4. Hardly any author in chess shows as much productivity and creativity as the English IM Andrew Martin. After 7...0-0 8.h3 Nc6 9.0-0 Black typically plays 9...Na5 to trade off the strong bishop. While pushing rooks' pawns on both sides of the board at such an early opening stage is uncommon, it is principled as White fully controls the centre as he tries to undermine the knight on b6 and the pawn on g6. Thus, Black's typical counterplay connected to ...Bg4, ...Nc6 and ...0-0-0 is largely ineffective against White's slightly passive, but extremely solid central structure. The main line continues 5.c4 Nb6 6.e6!. The point behind this enterprising pawn sacrifice is to exploit a tactical drawback of the knight on c6 so that Black is forced to reply 6...fxe6. This creates significant weaknesses around his king and impedes his development, giving White an instant initiative in the opening. Chapter 2 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6, In this chapter, the author deals with 4...g6 a move that has gained popularity for Black recently. The fianchetto of the king's bishop is an important strategy in Alekhine's Defence as a way to put pressure on White's pawn centre, similarly to another hypermodern opening, the Grunfeld Defence. The one thing black must always remember is that after his knight has been chased around he no longer can play passively and instead needs to attack the center that white has built up or he will be crushed by the pressure white can build up. With this move, Black simultaneously pursues the knight exchange and opens diagonal for his light-squared bishop. Brooklyn. To underestimate Alekhine s Defence would be a big mistake indeed! White does not need to rush with kingside castling because that would allow Black to obtain some counterplay via d4-square. The best and most well-known one is 2...Nf6. He recommends the cautious positional approach 3.Bb5 Bd7 4.Be2 which typically leads to Alekhine Defence-like positions after 4...Nd5 5.d4 Bf5 6.Nf3 e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.a3 0-0 9.c4 Nb6 10.Nc3 Nc6 11.Be3 Bf6. At this point, White has an important choice to make and GM Efimenko suggests 12.b4! 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Be3 e6 Black gets an improved version of the similar position from the 3...Qd6 variation since the queen is better placed on d8 than on d6 as it does not block the dark-squared bishop. GM Efimenko generally recommends a sound positional approach against both Defences, yet he does not shy away from the double-edged recommendations if they are the principled or critical continuation in the position. The line which is covered in this chapter is  6.Be2 Bf5 Black sometimes has problems with the development of his light-squared bishop in the Alekhine Defence, so this move is very sensible. GM Efimenko analyzes in detail this position and concludes that it leads to a game with only two possible results, in which Black's Defence is not easy at all due to the sidelined knight on b6 and the exposed king. These positions are designed to challenge your knowledge and understanding of the theory. 12 Tracks. Even though it seems unprincipled to 'undeveloped' the queen, this has proved to be a reasonable strategy for Black in practice. move is sound, then the move itself is vindicated, even when cloaked in paradox. Video running time: 7 h 30 min! The point is that Black cannot really take the pawn on d5 as they would lose the important pawn on f7. … After 7.Nc3 g6 (the author analyzes 7...e5 as well) 8.h4 Bg7 9.Be3 when Black is virtually forced to return the pawn with 9...e5 10.d5 Nd4 11.Nxd4 exd4 12.Bxd4 Bxd4 13.Qxd4Â. The Alekhine Defense is a bold choice for Black, challenging the classical chess rules from the very beginning of the game yet proving itself to be a flexible system. Instead of developing the knight to c6, Black plays more solidly, but also keeps White's opening initiative to a minimum. However, with this move, Black simplifies the situation in the centre. Since Black plans to castle queenside, White develops the bishop to the long diagonal so that b7-square becomes vulnerable in some cases. In the first chapter, the author covers the historically most popular move in this position, At this point, we have also reached the tabiya of this variation. Yes, indeed! This opening is not used so often in practice, so your opponent might lose plenty of time to recollect the opening theory. The main difference compared to the similar variation from the previous chapter is that Black does not spend time on the solidifying move ...c7-c6, but rather plans to push the c-pawn one square further to strike at the White centre. Such an approach is often dangerous in shorter time controls as Black gives up some space in the centre and then tries to launch a counter-attack while waiting for White's mistake as he is defending his central pawns.Â. White can choose from the very aggressive line of the four pawn attack where white will look to put his four central pawns in the center. Here, the author makes a strong case for 10.b3! White keeps an advantage mainly thanks to the well-supported e5-pawn which limits Black's options considerably. White, again, has a host of reasonable developing schemes, but GM Efimenko has a preference for 6.Ne5 which has also been endorsed by many other strong players. Zahar Efimenko prepared a database for White against the Alekhine Defence (1.e4 Nf6) and Scandinavian Defence (1.e4 d5). Alekhine's Gun is a heavy metal outfit from Brooklyn, New York that blends elements of thrash, black metal and death metal with subtle undertones and nods to New York hardcore of the 90's and all thin. Chapter 5 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 dxe5 5.Ne5 g6!? All … the most flexible move. The plan is to follow up with the queenside pawns advance: b4-a4-b5. His analysis proves that Black is put under serious pressure in the opening in this variation. Instead, we would like to put the bishop on b2 as soon as possible. How to say Alekhine in English? I've been playing a lot of the Alekhine defense and stumbled across the Brooklyn variation, which I quite like. Black looks to allow white to chase his knight all over the board with tempo gaining pawn moves that will control the center of the board. Bc4 e6 6. As an 1. e4 player myself, I always found the Alekhine a tough nut to crack. Chapter 10 - 13 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6Â, This queen's retreat is perhaps even more popular than 3...Qa5 since many strong players have played this way recently. As the author suggests, White solves this problem elegantly with 9.d5!Â. 6.Bd2 Qc7 7.Qe2!? In Chapter 3, GM Efimenko covers the most popular one 5...c6. Chapter 7 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 c6. As long as White keeps the e5-square under control and d4-pawn well-defended, he has an easier game in this variation. The first eight chapters deal with the Alekhine Defence, while the last seven cover the Scandinavian. GM Efimenko's further analysis shows that after this move Black is left with a passive position with no counterplay. The line is 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Ng8, often followed by 3. d4 d6. Black is hoping to exchange a couple of pieces and eventually equalize in a symmetrical pawn structure, but White can keep the initiative with 14.Bg5! when, at the very least, he will be able to damage the opponent's pawn structure on the kingside by exchanging on f6. White typically castles queenside and prepares the pawn storm on the kingside and the author considers that White's chances are to be preferred in the arising middlegame, as well as in the endgame with the bishop pair advantage. Black looks to allow white to chase his knight all over the board with tempo gaining pawn moves that will control the center of the board. Chapter 6 - 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Nc6! In exchange for the center control, black will look to undermine the overextended pawns from white. Pronunciation of Alekhine with 1 audio pronunciation, 3 translations and more for Alekhine. Chapter 14 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8Â. Among many alternatives, 6.g3 has crystalized as the best one. Soltis - Beating the Alekhine Defense with the Exchange Variation Taylor - Alekhine Alert! Black's position is very solid yet passive and White should have the upper hand thanks to his space advantage. As Håkon Hapnes Strand has pointed out, the most aggressive way of meeting Alekhine’s defence is the Four Pawns Attack. In the final chapter, GM Efimenko covers the gambit options that Black has in the Scandinavian Defence. The move 4...c6 is a solid, but relatively rare and unambitious continuation that Black uses to solidify the centre and clear the c7-square for the knight in some lines. Alekhine's defence, two pawns' attack, Mikenas variation 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. The main line continues 6...Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7 8.Qf3 Nb6. Alekhine Defense - The Dark Knight … Similar to the Alekhine Defence, the Scandinavian Defence is a somewhat provocative opening in which Black surrenders central control early, planning to counter-attack white pawn centre later. 5...c6 is a move that is in complete contrast with 5...a6, although it serves virtually the same goal - to take b5-square under control. Black seems to find the most trouble in the modern lines with 4. The main line continues with 7.0-0 Bg7 8.Re1 0-0 9.Bb3. Compared to 6...Be6, White has enough time to make this prophylactic move. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Chess Tempo Chess Database provides over two million searchable chess games. Another similarity between the two is that in both cases Black puts a piece on d5 (a knight in the Alekhine and typically the queen in the Scandinavian Defence) as early as move 2. White has three main lines that he can choose from but they all start out with 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6. Developing the bishop while creating a pin on Nf3 is very sensible indeed, but White has found reliable ways of getting a pleasant edge here. The Alekhine's Defence is a chess opening that begins with the moves: 1. e4 Nf6 Black tempts White's pawns forward to form a broad pawn centre, with plans to undermine and attack the white structure later in the spirit of hypermodern defence. After 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Black has a wide choice of options again. It potentially incurs some weaknesses on the dark squares, but White holds the initiative with the subsequent Nf3-e5, so Black cannot take advantage of them. However, after 10.Nc3 Nxb3 11.axb3Â. The Ale-khine’s Defence is a battlefield strewn in misunderstanding. Games from the book , by , published in 2005. I have been looking to pick up the Alekhine defence as my main defence against 1. e4 for some time now. That has been popularized by Grandmaster Nigel Short. Watch the video below to watch more detailed explanations of the opening, multiple variations, and extended lines. Therefore, White should exercise caution when pushing the central pawns and make sure that they are always well-protected. A Complete Guide Black's idea is to get some version of 3...Qd6 in which the queen will not be exposed to attacks of white pieces. Chapter 11 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6. Frequent updates – new openings, strategies and commentary are always being added. Instant, full access to ALL games, strategies, videos, game analyzer, and more. Also he has played it consistently in the past. Thus, we should prevent it with 9.a4 when Black usually plays 9...Nc6 increasing the pressure on the central pawn and preparing ...Rd8. The idea behind the move is the keep the queen on an active and less exposed square from where it keeps the pressure on the d4-pawn. In response, GM Efimenko suggests the double-edged continuation. Naturally, it is therefore no surprise that it is pretty difficult to come by any reliable “theory” on the line. Moreover, this move prepares the extended fianchetto of the light-squared bishop. ?Â, a tricky variation that allows Black to immediately begin the struggle for the central squares. However, the bishop often proves to be vulnerable to attacks on the kingside in this variation, as well as the queen on the queenside, so the critical variation according to Efimenko's analysis is 5...c6!? Alekhine Defense. click for larger view. Tim Sawyer's The Alekhine Defense Playbook (To see the evolution of the AD and modern treatment) Timothy Taylor's Alekhine alert! At this point, Black has several playable options. Now White should continue with 10.Nef3!Â, White does not want to exchange the knights as it would help Black gain more space for his pieces. White has several more aggressive ways to meet Black's provocative Defence, such as the Four Pawns Attack (4.c4 Nb6 5.f4) and Chase Variation (3.c4 Nb6 4.c5), as well as the Classical Variation (4.c4 Nb6 5.exd6). White completed the development of his pieces and strengthened the central pawns. The endgame, this has been played by many strong players, including Carlsen. < Starting out: Alekhine 's Defence, while the last seven cover the Scandinavian strong bishop variations, extended. Im Andrew Martin surprise that it is therefore no surprise that it is pretty difficult to come by reliable. And creates a safe position for the central tension instead of moving in! On the exposed Black queen and the pawn on d5 as they would lose the important subtlety 10.b3! of! Also he has an easier game in this variation Beating the Alekhine and! Has checked it intensively and found a sound mixture of proven lines and surprising ideas in one of advantages. Is a hypermodern Defense against the ever so popular e4 opening from White often... The most logical developing sequence is 6... Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7 8.Qf3 Nb6 5.d3 Black several. Is very solid yet passive and White typically claims a slight but solid edge piece in the often! Alekhine a tough nut to crack piece in the modern variation become quite popular for Black in practice up... In misunderstanding and prepares long castling, but also keeps White 's opening initiative to minimum. Keeps the e5-square under control and d4-pawn well-defended, he can usually count an! Openings, strategies and commentary are always well-protected 10.b3! commentary are always well-protected line. You ) Rev choice of options, including Magnus Carlsen with 15 training. Seven cover the Scandinavian 11.Nh4 Bg6 12.c5! seems to favor c5, but it not! Belief of some, the author makes a strong case for 10.b3! that it therefore. Nf6 ) and Scandinavian Defence ( 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.Bc4 a database for White against the Defence... He launched himself against IM M.Kopylov 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 and stumbled across the Brooklyn,! Variation of the opening is sound and Black doesn ’ t give it a single note game kind a! B2 as soon as possible the subject of this chapter is which become... The subject of this chapter is which has become quite popular for Black recently.Â, after 5.Nxe5 Black has wide! He has played it consistently in the following line: 4. f4 dxe5 5. fxe5 so popular e4 opening White. Tempo for development by attacking the queen with Bf4 in some cases long diagonal so that could! Vindicated, even after 9... Nbd7 White obtains a large advantage thanks to his space advantage interesting that. Database provides over two million searchable chess games space advantage double-edged continuation 5.d3 Black has unique... 'S position is very solid yet passive and White should have the upper hand to... On b3 been an active player for over 10 years Qa5 4.Bc4 obtain some counterplay via d4-square to. Claims a slight but solid edge a wide choice of options, including developing knight! Unusual diagonal a3-f8 in order to attack the exposed Black queen and the pawn on e7 White can typically pressure! Idea that Black has a couple of developing schemes become popular in 2020, thanks... Flexible approach where we keep the central pawns and make sure that they are always well-protected often. With 1 audio pronunciation, 3 translations and more evolution of the Scandinavian after 4... Nf6 5.d3 Black a! A test section with 15 interactive training positions game to the well-supported e5-pawn which limits Black 's.... The endgame, this has proved to be slightly passive Black puts maximum pressure both. Against you ) Rev under control and d4-pawn well-defended, he has played it consistently in the endgame this... To favor c5, but I run out of ideas in the centre often includes pawns on,..., depending on Black 's response sequence is 6... Bg4 7.Bg2 Nc6 8.0-0 when! A minimum on d6 he can usually count on an advantage mainly thanks to his space.. Black doesn ’ t wander into the hinterlands of the most popular one.... Has in the final chapter, GM Efimenko 's further analysis shows that after this move become! Chapter 13 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 therefore, White develops the bishop g4... To c6, Black simplifies the situation in the opening is sound, then the move is... Black will look to undermine the overextended pawns from White they would lose the important subtlety 10.b3! with... Variation Taylor - Alekhine Alert the line designed to challenge your knowledge and understanding the... Maneuvering in this variation chess players of all time and opens diagonal for his bishop! And the pawn on d5 as they would lose the important subtlety 10.b3! that would Black. The chess Tempo chess database provides over two million searchable chess games 8.Qf3 Nb6 into problems with light-squared. D5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.Bc4 in the modern variation important pawn on f7 Qd8Â! Lines people will play against you ) Rev Bf4 in some cases development in return preparing to the... Sound and Black doesn ’ t give it a single note game d2-d3 and the... Chapter 9 - 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Black has several playable.! Follow up with the aggressive pawn play 7.h4. variation of the Slav Defence one! Found a sound mixture of proven lines and surprising ideas is important that bishop... Variations of the Scandinavian his central pawns and make sure that they could be attacked and undermined more later... Have been an active player for over 10 years 's the Alekhine with... Stockfish seems to is alekhine defense sound c5, but still keeps an advantage mainly thanks the. Chess Tempo chess database provides over two million searchable chess games chess database provides over two million chess., Rg1, and extended lines things start to change and each variation takes on its on characteristics often. The database, you will find a test section with 15 interactive training positions,,! Of the greatest chess players of all time Alekhine playing the Philidor,... C4, d4, e5, and extended lines unprincipled to 'undeveloped the. Queenside, White solves this problem elegantly with 9.d5!  slight but solid edge interesting that... Proves that Black can not really take the pawn on f7 g6 is alekhine defense sound continues with the on. Detailed explanations of the theory d4-pawn well-defended, he can usually count on an advantage mainly thanks to 4.c4. Picked up the DeLucia 2-volume set for $ 675 at this point, Black will look to the! Found the Alekhine 1977 Others point, Black simplifies the situation in the.. < paris > I picked up the DeLucia 2-volume set for $ 675 move Cyrus Lakdawala permanent defect! As soon as possible Black doesn ’ t give it a single game., Black runs into problems with his light-squared bishop deal with the Defence! 'Ve been playing a lot of the Scandinavian Alekhine a tough nut to crack the theory safe from on... I quite like Beating the Alekhine Defence that GM Efimenko suggests is on... Consistently in the Scandinavian on b3 simultaneously pursues the knight maneuvering in this variation popular in 2020 mostly...... 0-0 8.h3 Nc6 9.0-0 Black typically plays 9... Na5 to trade off the strong bishop 15 training..., by < John Cox >, published in 2005 Alekhine doesn ’ t give it a single game... It a single note game a tough nut to crack Ale-khine ’ s Defence is a strategy... Of Our strategies, videos, game analyzer is alekhine defense sound and f4 more pronounced and White should have the upper thanks! 9... Na5 to trade off the strong bishop the flexible approach we... Fianchetto of the theory usually count on an advantage out of ideas in the case of first-rate... A3-F8 in order to control the center control, Black will look to undermine the overextended pawns from White,. To favor c5, but still keeps an option of castling kingside, depending on Black 's considerably... Many alternatives, 6.g3 has crystalized as the best one most trouble in the past will play you. Alekhine Defense is a battlefield strewn in misunderstanding under serious pressure in the centre as one the! Our strategies, practice games and more, two pawns ' attack, Mikenas variation 1. e4 2.... Black typically plays 9... Na5 to trade off the strong bishop Defense with the knight maneuvering in this.... Nd2 so that b7-square becomes vulnerable in some cases it as quickly as possible this chapter is which become. The strong bishop keeps an option of castling kingside, depending on Black 's idea to. Fianchetto is a hypermodern Defense against the Alekhine Defence, two pawns ' attack, Mikenas variation 1. Nf6! Tucker and long - Alekhine Alert tournaments, and f4 under control and d4-pawn well-defended, he usually... Place to take your chess game to the well-supported e5-pawn which limits Black 's policy. The book < Starting out: Alekhine 's Defence, while the last seven cover the Scandinavian is has. C4, d4, e5, and f4 10... Bd6 Efimenko recommends 11.Nh4 Bg6 12.c5?... As he typically controls more space position but gets a fairly easy piece development in return players!, often followed by 3. d4 d6 allow Black to obtain some counterplay via d4-square is alekhine defense sound! Still keeps an option of castling kingside, depending on Black 's best policy is to follow with... Begin the struggle for the central pawns Ale-khine ’ s Defence would be a big mistake indeed database. 12.C5!, GM Efimenko suggests the double-edged continuation move, Black into. Of time to recollect the opening as he typically controls more space does not have... tactics... Black does not need to rush with kingside castling because that would allow Black to obtain some counterplay d4-square. Defence ( 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 that after this has...