Theoria
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Alekhine Defense

Modern Variation, Keres Variation

B04aggressiveoffbeat

  1. 1.e4Nf6
  2. 2.e5Nd5
  3. 3.d4d6
  4. 4.Nf3g6
  5. 5.Bc4Nb6
  6. 6.Bb3Bg7
  7. 7.a4
40 games58%40%

Alekhine Defense line in which White answers the Alburt fianchetto setup with 7. a4, gaining queenside space and threatening to harass the b6-knight.

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About the Keres Variation

The Keres Variation arises from the Alburt line of the Modern Variation, 4...g6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3 Bg7. White then plays 7. a4, threatening a4-a5 to drive the b6-knight from its post and gaining queenside space. The usual reply, 7...a5, stops the pawn but leaves the b5-square weakened. 7...O-O and 7...dxe5 are the main alternatives. The line is rarely played, and engines give White a slight edge.

Popular continuations