Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit

The Alekhine Defense starts with Black's knight attacking White's pawn on e4. In order to defend it, White moves the pawn to e5, controlling d6, e6 and f7 squares. This move also opens up the diagonals for the light-squared bishop on c1 and the queen on d1. This can lead to an aggressive and open game for White, as they aim to continue their attack and control the center of the board.

By moving the knight to f6, Black puts pressure on White's e4 pawn, which is considered the traditional center of the board. Additionally, this knight move allows Black to prepare for future moves, such as d5, which attacks the pawn on e4. Playing Nf6 also develops a piece and allows Black to potentially control important central squares, while keeping attacking options open in different areas of the board. The move is commonly seen in many chess openings as it helps Black to establish a strong presence in the center.

By playing e5, White is trying to control more central squares and increase their territorial grip. This move also attacks Black's knight on f6 and forces it to retreat to a square of its choice after which White can continue to develop their pieces in preparation for further attacks. Furthermore, the e5 pawn formation can also help White establish a strong pawn structure in the center of the board. In sum, e5 is a move frequently seen in many chess openings, as it aims to directly challenge Black's knight while also helping to control a significant amount of space in the center of the board.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit, after the moves 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5, Black has the option to play Nd5. This move attacks the e5 pawn and forces White to make a decision. If White chooses to take the knight, Black recaptures with the pawn, damaging White's pawn structure and potentially gaining control of the center. Alternatively, if White chooses not to take the knight, Black's piece remains in a strong central position, putting pressure on White's pawn and limiting their options. This move is often a part of Black's strategy to control the center and seek counterplay against White's aggressive opening moves.

By playing c4, White aims to challenge Black's knight on d5 while simultaneously expanding their control over the center of the board. This move also allows White to put pressure on Black's position by attacking the knight and potentially forcing it to move again, disrupting Black's developing plans. Additionally, c4 opens up lines for White's pieces to become more active, particularly the light-squared bishop and queen, and can lead to a more aggressive position for White. In sum, c4 is a common move seen in many chess openings as it aims to establish White's control over the center and provide attacking options.

In this position, Black's knight on d5 is attacked by White's pawn on e5 and the advance of the pawn on c4 also threatens the knight. By playing Nb6, Black can protect the knight and keep it centralized. Additionally, the knight on b6 has the potential to put pressure on White's c4 pawn and potentially capture it, leading to an imbalanced position. This move also allows Black to continue developing while maintaining control over important central squares. In sum, Nb6 is often played in this position as it protects the knight, maintains central control, and provides additional attacking options for Black in the future.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit, White's c5 move aims to drive back Black's knight to a less desirable square. By playing c5, White creates additional space in the center of the board and also threatens to gain more territory by pushing the pawn forward. This move can also open up lines for White's pieces, particularly the queen and rook, to become more active and put pressure on Black's position. On the other hand, if Black chooses to capture on c5, White can recapture with the d-pawn, further controlling the center and potentially putting pressure on Black's pawn structure. In sum, c5 is a common move seen in many chess openings and can be an effective way for White to gain more space and control over the position.

In this position, Black's knight on b6 is under attack by White's pawn on c5. By playing Nd5, Black can put pressure on White's pawn structure and force White to make a decision. If White captures the knight, Black can recapture with the pawn and damage White's pawn structure while also getting a centralized pawn. Alternatively, if White doesn't capture the knight, Black's piece remains in a strong central position, attacking the c5 pawn and limiting White's options further. This move also allows Black to continue developing while showing activity against White's position. In sum, Nd5 is a common move seen in many chess openings and can be an effective way for Black to seek counterplay and gain control over the center.

By playing Bc4, White develops a piece and aims to put pressure on Black's knight on d5. This move also allows White to potentially target Black's weakened pawn structure following the exchange on d5. Additionally, Bc4 can open up lines for White's queen and rook to become more active, potentially leading to a more aggressive position for White. In sum, this move is often played in many chess openings as it aims to develop a piece while also putting pressure on Black's position, particularly if Black isn't able to react appropriately.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit, Black's e6 move aims to neutralize the pressure of White's bishop on c4. By playing e6, Black develops a pawn and also continues to control important central squares, particularly d5. Since Black's knight is currently blocking its bishop, this move also prepares for future pawn advancements, such as d5, which might open up lines for the bishop in the future. Additionally, e6 can help Black to create a more solid pawn structure and limit White's attacking options in the center of the board. In sum, e6 is a commonly played move in many chess openings, particularly in response to the bishop's development on c4.

By playing Nc3, White develops another piece and aims to control more central squares. This move also provides additional protection for White's pawn on e5, which is currently attacked by Black's knight on d5. Nc3 can also prepare for future moves, such as d4, which might open up space for White's pieces and put pressure on Black's position. Additionally, Nc3 can help White to attack Black's pawn structure and potentially win material. In sum, this move is a common response to e6, as it allows White to develop a piece while maintaining control over the center of the board.

In this position, Black's knight on d5 is under attack from White's knight on c3 and, therefore, Black's d6 move aims to provide additional support for the knight. This move also prepares for future moves, such as the bishop's development to d7, which might provide additional pressure on White's position. By playing d6, Black can also help to establish a strong pawn structure that protects the king and restrict White's potential breakout moves. Additionally, d6 can potentially control more central squares and limit White's attacking options. In sum, d6 is often seen in many chess openings, including this one, as it helps Black to stabilize their position and solidify their defenses.

In the Alekhine Defense: Hunt Variation, Mikenas Gambit, White's Nxd5 move aims to capture Black's pawn on d6 and disrupt Black's pawn structure. By taking the pawn, White also creates a protected passed pawn on d5 and opens up lines for their pieces to become more active. Furthermore, this move can potentially force Black to recapture with the c-pawn, which might further weaken their pawn structure. Alternatively, if Black chooses to recapture with the knight, this might leave holes in the position which White can exploit. In sum, Nxd5 is a common move played by White in many chess openings, including this one, as it aims to disrupt Black's defenses while creating opportunities for White's own attacking plans.

In this position, White has just captured Black's knight on d5 by playing Nxd5. In response, Black's exd5 move aims to help remove the pressure on their position by capturing the knight with their own pawn. This move also allows Black to open up the position and potentially activate their pieces for future attacks. Additionally, capturing with the pawn can help Black to regain control of the center of the board, which is a key element in many chess openings and strategies. Furthermore, exd5 also creates a doubled pawn structure for Black, which can be seen as a potential weakness, but can also provide additional attacking opportunities if well-supported. In sum, exd5 is a common move in many chess positions and can be an effective way for Black to restore balance and seek counterplay in the game.

In this position, Black has just captured White's knight on d5 by playing exd5. In response, White's Bxd5 move signals their intention to exchange material and attack the black queen. This move also creates a potential pin on the knight on f6, making it difficult for Black to move their knight without losing material. Furthermore, Bxd5 can also open up lines for White's pieces, particularly the rook and queen, to become more active and potentially put pressure on Black's position. This move can also potentially double Black's pawns, which can offer further opportunities for White to exploit weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. In sum, Bxd5 is a common move seen in many chess openings and can be an effective way for White to change the course of the game by exchanging pieces and seeking attacking opportunities.