Alekhine-Chatard Attack
White launches an immediate and dangerous kingside attack with h4. Named after Alexander Alekhine and Raoul Chatard, this aggressive system can be devastating against unprepared opponents.
ECO Code
C13
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Sharp/Attacking
Key Players
Alekhine, Chatard, Morozevich
Strategic Ideas for White
- Kingside attack: Push h4-h5-h6 to destroy Black's kingside pawn structure
- Piece coordination: Bring queen, knights, and bishops into the attack
- Sacrifice potential: Be ready to sacrifice material for a mating attack
- Central support: Maintain the e5 pawn to support the attack
- Quick development: Castle queenside and launch the assault
Main Continuations
Main Defense
Black accepts the bishop sacrifice and tries to hold the position. Critical main line requiring precise defense.
Declining the Bishop
Black avoids capturing the bishop and seeks central counterplay. Less forcing but also risky.
Immediate f6
Black strikes at the center immediately. Double-edged continuation with mutual chances.
0-0 Defense
Castling into the attack. Risky but gives Black's king an escape route via f8.
Understanding the Attack
The Alekhine-Chatard Attack represents one of the most aggressive systems in the French Defense. White sacrifices development and sometimes material for a direct assault on Black's king. The key to this attack is speed - White must create threats faster than Black can consolidate the position. Black's best defense usually involves accepting material and trying to return it at the right moment while seeking counterplay.
Key Plans and Ideas
For White
- Pawn storm: Push h4-h5-h6 to open lines against Black's king
- Piece sacrifices: Be ready to sacrifice bishops and knights for attack
- Queen involvement: Bring the queen into the attack via d1-h5 or d1-d2-h2
- Queenside castling: Castle long to avoid back-rank issues
- Central support: Maintain e5 and d4 to support the attack
For Black
- Central counterplay: Strike with ...c5 and ...cxd4 when possible
- King safety: Find the safest square for the king, often f8
- Material advantage: Accept material and try to simplify into endgames
- Defensive coordination: Coordinate pieces to defend key squares
- Counter-sacrifice: Return material when it helps the defense
Critical Tactical Themes
Bishop Sacrifice
Classic attacking sacrifices to open lines and expose Black's king position.
Pawn Storm
White's main attacking plan - push the h-pawn to destroy Black's kingside shelter.
Queen and Knight Attack
Typical piece coordination in the attack, targeting f7 and h7 squares.
Central Counter-Strike
Black's main defensive resource - opening the center to distract White from the attack.
Critical Points
For White: Don't get carried away with the attack - calculate carefully before sacrificing material. Make sure the attack is sound.
For Black: Take the material when offered but be ready to return it. Don't panic - accurate defense can turn the tables quickly.
Famous Alekhine-Chatard Games
Alekhine vs. Fahrni (1914): One of the earliest and most brilliant demonstrations of the attack's potential.
Chatard vs. Mortimer (1900): The game that helped establish this attacking system's reputation.
Morozevich vs. Anand (2001): Modern treatment showing the attack's continued relevance at the highest level.
Similar Variations
Master the Alekhine-Chatard Attack
Learn one of the most aggressive weapons in the French Defense. Perfect for attacking players who want to create immediate threats and complications.
Back to French Defense Explore Classical Variation