Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alburt Variation

The opening move of 1.e4 signals White’s intention to control the center and gain space. By occupying the d5 square with his pawn, White forces Black’s knight to retreat to d5, which sets up the Alekhine Defense. On move 3, White continues with 3.d4, attacking Black’s knight for the second time. If Black captures on d4, White recaptures with the pawn, which strengthens his pawn chain and gives him an advantage in the center. Black responds with 3…d6, preparing to develop his dark-squared bishop and challenging White’s central pawn. In the Modern Variation of the Alekhine Defense, Black often plays the pawn move …Nc6, but in the Alburt Variation, Black opts for the move 4…g6. This move supports Black’s bishop, and threatens to advance with …Bg7, putting pressure on White’s pawn chain.

By playing 1...Nf6, Black aims to challenge White's control of the center and prepare to threaten White’s e4-pawn. The knight also develops to an active square, putting pressure on White’s pawn chain. This move avoids the traditional lines of play and invites White to advance his e-pawn, which Black can now challenge with his knight. Additionally, deploying the knight early can help facilitate Black’s control over the important d4-square and putting pressure on White’s center from an early stage. In sum, 1...Nf6 is a logical and flexible response to White’s opening move.

By playing e5, White aims to seize control of the center and limit Black’s possibilities for counterplay. White’s pawn move also gains space and prepares for rapid development of his pieces. This move is a typical response to Black’s Alekhine Defense, as it attacks Black’s knight and forces it to retreat. By capturing on d5, White can not only exchange a central pawn for Black’s knight but also creates a passed pawn. This move can also help White gain a positional advantage by partially opening up the game and accelerating the pace of play. In sum, e5 is an aggressive and standard response to Black’s Nf6-move.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alburt Variation, Black responds to White's aggressive e5 by developing his knight to d5. This move re-attacks White’s pawn and advances Black’s own development. Placing the knight on the d5-square also leads to a centralization of Black’s pieces, while putting pressure on White’s center. Moreover, the knight on d5 can efficiently control important squares like e3 and f4, and can provide valuable tactical and strategic options in the future. This move is a critical response to White's push for central control, and is a central idea behind Black’s Alekhine Defense.

After indulging in a pawn race in the center, White plays d4 to claim even more central space and maintain his control over important squares like e5 and c5. The pawn move also gains flexibility, opening up lines and starting the development of White’s light-squared bishop. Moreover, by threatening to capture on d5, White puts pressure on Black’s knight and challenges Black to make a decision about how to continue the game. In sum, d4 is a powerful move that aims to strengthen White’s position and put Black on the back foot.

After White’s central pawn push to d4, Black responds with d6 to prevent White from gaining more central space, while at the same time advancing his own development. The move also enables Black to control the center from the flanks, freeing his light-squared bishop to be developed. Moreover, the pawn move helps to prepare for an attack on White’s pawn chain by opening up lines for Black’s pieces and putting some pressure on White’s center. In sum, d6 is a key move in Black's repertoire in the Alekhine Defense, as it helps to solidify his position and create options for future attacks.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alburt Variation, after Black’s pawn push to d6, White continues with Nf3, developing a pawn and preparing to castle kingside. The knight on f3 also helps control important central squares, while adding protection to the e5 pawn and preventing any immediate assaults from Black’s knight on d5. Moreover, the knight can be used to support White’s pawn push to e6, looking to gain additional space and cramp Black’s development. In sum, Nf3 is a logical move that helps White to maintain a firm control of the center and prepares for further development of his pieces.

After White’s knight development to f3, Black responds with g6 in order to fianchetto his bishop and prepare to castle kingside. By controlling the g7-square with his pawn, Black can pressure White’s pawn chain and prepare to launch an attack in the future. Moreover, this move can also help to restrict White’s control in the center and prepare to contest the light-squared diagonal. In sum, g6 is a flexible move that allows Black to improve his position and gain additional options, while also creating potential threats on White’s position.