Alekhine Defense
Black invites White's central pawns forward by attacking e4 with a knight. The advanced pawns gain space but become targets; both sides must coordinate pieces around that growing center.
Your plan as White
Gain space while keeping the advanced central pawns defended by pieces.
The opponent’s plan
Invite the center forward, then attack its base with pawn breaks and piece pressure.
Watch out: Chasing a knight with unsupported pawns can create targets instead of a lasting advantage.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
Alekhine popularized the defense at Budapest in 1921. Earlier games used the same first move, so he is its namesake rather than its sole inventor.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.