Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit (B03)

The Modern Variation, Alekhine 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. Nf3 Bg4 6. Be2, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six 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: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4Nf6
2e5Nd5
3d4d6
4c4Nb6
5Nf3Bg4
6Be2

ECO: B03

Stockfish: +0.13 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit?

The Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit goes 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. Be2. It is a variation of the Alekhine Defense and is catalogued as ECO B03.

What is the ECO code for the Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit?

The Modern Variation, Alekhine 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 Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. Be2 at +0.13 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.