Welling Variation

The Welling Variation, 3. b3, is an uncommon sideline of the Alekhine Defense. Instead of gaining space with d4 or c4, White prepares Bb2 to support the e5-pawn from the long diagonal and steers clear of mainstream theory. The most frequent answer is 3...d6, which challenges the pawn at once. 3...Nb6 and 3...e6 are the other common choices, and Black has scored well after 3...Nb6. Engines consider the position roughly balanced, and practical results slightly favor Black.