Alekhine Defense: Practical Study Guide

The Alekhine Defense invites White to overextend and then challenges the center with rapid piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.

Main plans

  • White gains space and must convert it into concrete initiative.
  • Black provokes central pawns forward and undermines them later.
  • Both sides need precise piece development before launching tactics.

Training focus

  • Review model games where center overextension is punished.
  • Practice tactical transitions after ...d6 and ...c5 breaks.

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Last updated: 2026-06-24