Chess Openings - The Alekhine Defense
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The Alekhine Defense
1. e4 Nf6
1. e4 Nf6
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 defense is part of the Hypermodern School. Black is inviting white to chase the knight by advancing Pawns (2. e5). By inducing an overextended position, black hopes to undermine white's centre and attack it with pieces. The Alekhine is a risky attacking defense in the truest sense.
How Common is The Alekhine Defense?
Rare at All Levels
Although the opening has grandmaster proponents, it is not commonly played. Expect to face the Alekhine about 2% of the time.