The Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit is a variation of the Alekhine Defense, catalogued as ECO B02. The line runs 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3 d6 7. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves. White has doubled pawns on the c-file.
On the Alekhine Defense generally: A provocative defense where Black invites White to advance pawns, then attacks the overextended center.
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The Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit goes 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3 d6 7. Bg5. It is a variation of the Alekhine Defense and is catalogued as ECO B02.
The Hunt Variation, Matsukevich Gambit is ECO B02. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Alekhine Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. c4 Nb6 4. c5 Nd5 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3 d6 7. Bg5 at +0.42 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move. White has doubled pawns on the c-file.