Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation

The move e4 is a very common first move for white and opens up the center for his pieces. By doing so, white is aiming to control more space and gain a solid advantage in the game. This move also provides an opportunity to bring out the knight to f3 or the bishop to c4, placing pressure on black's defenses. However, it can also create weaknesses in white's position if not executed carefully.

The move Nf6 is a natural response to e4, attacking the pawn and aiming to control the center as well. Additionally, it prepares the development of black's kingside knight and bishop. This move can also introduce the idea of a counter-attack against white's center if left unprotected. However, it does leave the knight vulnerable to attack and can potentially create weaknesses in black's own position if not played carefully.

The move e5 is a sharp response to Black's Nf6 that aims to immediately control the center and limit Black's possibilities. By advancing the pawn, white also threatens to attack the knight with d4, forcing it to move and potentially create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. Moreover, e5 secures the d4-square for white's pieces, such as the knight or queen, to activate in the future. However, it can also expose white's own pawn on e5 to possible attacks from Black's pieces.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, after the move 2. e5, Black wants to play Nd5. By doing so, Black can attack the pawn on e5 with its knight, forcing White to waste a move by retreating the pawn or defending it with another piece. Additionally, the knight placement on d5 significantly limits White's possibilities to control the center and puts pressure on White's position. Moreover, Nd5 also introduces the possibility of future attacks against White's pawn structure if not addressed properly. However, this move does leave the knight vulnerable to potential attacks from White's pieces.

The move d4 by White is a natural response to Black's Nd5, pushing back the knight and attacking the center. By advancing the pawn, White aims to control more space and restrict Black's options. Additionally, it can open lines for White's pieces to activate and target Black's exposed bishop on d6. However, pushing the pawn too early can also create weak squares like e4 and c4 in White's position, which can be exploited by Black's pieces. Therefore, d4 should be played with caution and consideration of the positional consequences.

In response to White's move d4, Black wants to play d6 to protect its knight on d5 and control the center. By doing so, Black prepares to develop its dark-squared bishop to e6 or f5 and create a solid pawn structure. Additionally, d6 closes off the pawn chain and prevents White from attacking with e6 or f5, forcing it to consider alternative approaches. However, d6 does also limit Black's options for future pawn movements, particularly on the queenside. Nevertheless, this move provides a stable base for Black to launch counterattacks and defend against White's potential threats.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, after Black's d6, White may consider playing c4 which opens up a new line of attack on Black's knight on d5. The move aims to gain more space and increase control in the center. Additionally, c4 prepares for the development of White's light-squared bishop and offers an opportunity to gain control over the b5-square. However, it also weakens White's pawn structure by creating backward pawns on b3 and c3, which can be targeted by Black's pieces in later stages of the game. In conclusion, c4 must be played with careful consideration of the positional consequences.

In response to White's c4, Black wants to play Nb6 to disrupt White's center and potentially create weaknesses in White's pawn structure. The move attacks White's pawn on c4 while preparing to develop Black's dark-squared bishop to b7 or a6. Additionally, Nb6 places pressure on White's knight on d5 and limits its mobility. However, this move also exposes Black's knight to attacks from White's pieces, such as the queen or bishop. In sum, Nb6 is a useful move that allows Black to control the board's center and position its pieces actively.

After Black's Nb6, White may consider playing c5, attacking Black's knight and creating a passed pawn on the c-file. The move aims to force Black's knight to move and gain more space in the center. Additionally, c5 can prevent Black's further pawn advances on the queenside and isolate its pawns. However, it also exposes White's pawn on c5 to potential attacks from Black's pieces, particularly the knight on d5. In addition, c5 can potentially weaken White's control on the b5-square and open opportunities for Black's counterattacks. Therefore, it is essential to play c5 with careful consideration of the various positional consequences.