Theoria
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Alekhine Defense

Exchange Variation, Karpov Variation

B03positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4Nf6
  2. 2.e5Nd5
  3. 3.d4d6
  4. 4.c4Nb6
  5. 5.exd6cxd6
  6. 6.Nc3g6
  7. 7.h3Bg7
  8. 8.Nf3O-O
  9. 9.Be2Nc6
  10. 10.O-OBf5
  11. 11.Bf4

No game statistics for this position yet.

Alekhine Defense line in the 5...cxd6 Exchange Variation where White plays 7. h3 to rule out ...Bg4 before developing quietly with a space edge.

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About the Karpov Variation

The Karpov Variation arises after 5...cxd6 6. Nc3 g6 7. h3. The move h3 prevents ...Bg4, which would otherwise target a knight on f3 and add to Black's pressure on d4. Once that pin is ruled out, White develops calmly. The main line continues 7...Bg7 8. Nf3 O-O 9. Be2 Nc6 10. O-O Bf5 11. Bf4, with Black's light-squared bishop going to f5 instead. White keeps a space advantage based on the c4 and d4 pawns.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.