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Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...c6/3. Nc3/3...dxc4/4. e4

Alekhine attack
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e4
ECO code: D10
Parent: Slav defence

4. e4 · Alekhine attack

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White uses the fact that the capture has left the e4-square undefended and expends their centre, revealing an attack from the light-squared bishop on the c4 pawn.

Black generally holds onto their pawn with 4...b5, preparing to push b5-b4 if White challenges their pawn with a2-a4.

4...e5 was the first main line, but players with White have shown that it is not to be feared, scoring very well against it.

History

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This move was popularised after being played in round 6 of the world championship rematch between Alexander Alekhine and Max Euwe,[1] which proceeded 4...e5 5. Bxc4 exd4 6. Nf6!? (if 6...dxc3 7. Bxf7+ Ke7 with the possible continuation of 8. Qb3 Qb6? 9. Bxg8 Rxg8 10. Qxg8 ± Sarapu - Anthony Garbett 1976[2]) 6...b5 7. Nxb5 Ba6 8. Qb3 Qe7 9. O-O Bxb5 10. Bxb5 ±. Alekhine went on to win the game.

It wasn't until 1939 that players started holding onto the c4 pawn with 4...b5.[3]

Theory table

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1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. e4

4 5 6 7 8
...
b5
a4
b4
Nb1
Ba6
Qc2
Qxd4
Nf3
Qb6
=
...
...
...
...
Na2
Nf6
e5
Nd5
Bxc4
e6
=
...
...
...
...
Nce2
e6
Nf3
Ba6
Bf4
Nf6
=

References

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  1. "Alekhine - Euwe 1937". www.chessgames.com. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  2. "Sarapu - Garbett 1976". lichess.org. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  3. "Moller - Envoldsen 1939". www.chessgames.com. Retrieved 24 January 2026.

See also

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v · t · e
Chess Opening Theory
1. e4 e5
Open game
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
  • Four knights ( )
  • Italian game ( )
  • Spanish game ( )

With other 2nd moves:

2. Other
1. e4 c5
Sicilian defence
1. e4 ...other: