Modern Variation

1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4

A flexible approach where Black develops the bishop actively to g4, pinning the knight on f3. This leads to rich middlegame positions with tactical and positional possibilities for both sides.

ECO Code

B13

Difficulty

Intermediate

Style

Tactical/Positional

Key Players

Alekhine, Larsen, Morozevich

White's Main Responses

Be2 Development

5.Be2 e6 6.0-0

Natural development allowing the bishop to remain on g4. Leads to complex middlegame positions with mutual chances.

h3 Challenge

5.h3 Bh5 6.c4

Immediately challenging the bishop, forcing it to make a decision. Often followed by g4 to drive it away completely.

c4 Advance

5.c4 Nb6 6.Be2

Gaining space in the center while developing. The knight retreats to b6 where it eyes the d5 and c8 squares.

Understanding the Pin

Black's Bg4 creates tactical possibilities since the f3 knight is pinned to the queen. This pin can become significant in certain tactical sequences, but White has several effective ways to handle it.

Master the Modern Variation

Learn to handle the tactical complexities of the bishop pin in the Alekhine Defense.

Back to Alekhine Defense Explore Voronezh Variation