Chess Opening · B02
Alekhine Defense
For sub-1000 ELO players
The Alekhine Defense (ECO B02) starts with 1...Nf6, inviting White to push pawns forward and then attacking the overextended center later. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 confirms the Four Pawns Attack Variation as White's most aggressive option, but the simple Chase Variation with e5 and d4 gives White a clear space advantage at sub-1000 ELO. The most common mistake is chasing the knight too far and leaving pawns weak. Play e5, d4, and Nf3, then stop pushing and start developing.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. e4 Nf62. e5 Nd53. d4 d64. Nf3 Bg4Black plays Nf6 to provoke e5. White pushes the pawn and the knight retreats to d5. White builds a center with d4 and develops with Nf3. The key is not to overextend by pushing more pawns.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 Bg43 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Pushing Pawns Too Far (c4 and f4)
Beginners see the knight retreating and keep pushing pawns. Playing c4 to kick the knight again looks aggressive, but it overextends the center and creates weaknesses that Black exploits later.
Bb5+Not Playing d4
Some beginners play e5 but forget d4. Without d4, the center is incomplete and Black gets d6 easily, trading off the e5 pawn and equalizing with no effort.
exd6Ignoring Development After e5
After pushing e5, White keeps pushing pawns instead of developing pieces. The center looks impressive but it falls apart because there are no pieces defending the pawns.
Nc3Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
The Alekhine tricks beginners into thinking every pawn push is an attack. White pushes and pushes until the center collapses. The defense is designed to provoke exactly this overreaction.
Before Your Next Game
Push e5 and d4. Then stop pushing pawns and start developing pieces. Nf3, Be2, and castle. That is the whole plan.
What to Study
Study the difference between a strong pawn center and an overextended one. Two pawns on e5 and d4 supported by pieces is strong. Four unsupported pawns is a target.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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