Alekhine Defense: Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit (B03)

The Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit is a variation of the Alekhine Defense, catalogued as ECO B03. The line runs 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 g5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at zero minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.

On the Alekhine Defense generally: A provocative defense where Black invites White to advance pawns, then attacks the overextended center.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Alekhine Defense: Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit — position after g5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 g5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4Nf6
2e5Nd5
3d4d6
4c4Nb6
5f4g5

ECO: B03

Stockfish: +1.10 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Alekhine Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit?

The Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit goes 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 g5. It is a variation of the Alekhine Defense and is catalogued as ECO B03.

What is the ECO code for the Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit?

The Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit is ECO B03. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Alekhine Defense.

Is the Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 g5 at +1.10 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Four Pawns Attack, Cambridge Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at zero minor pieces each. It is White to move.