Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit

Chess players who open with 1.e4 are looking to gain control of the center of the board. Moving the pawn to e4 allows for the deployment of the queen and bishop, as well as supporting a potential pawn advance to d4. This creates a stronghold in the center, making it difficult for the opponent to maneuver their pieces effectively.

Black plays Nf6 in response to 1.e4 because it attacks the pawn on e4 and helps control the center. Additionally, it develops the knight and prepares for castling. This move also puts pressure on White's position, causing them to make further decisions about how to defend their central pawn. In sum, Nf6 is a common and flexible move that fits well into many different openings for Black.

White plays e5 in response to 1.e4 Nf6 because it reinforces the pawn on e4. If Black captures the pawn with the knight, White can recapture with the pawn and create a strong center control. This move also opens up the bishop's diagonal on c1 and puts pressure on Black's position. However, playing e5 does weaken the d4 square and potentially risks leaving the pawn on e5 isolated. In sum, this move is a common way for White to react to Nf6 and can lead to a dynamic and tense game.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit, Black can play Nd5 after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5. This move attacks the e5 pawn and re-centralizes the knight. It also frees up the d6 square for the queen and bishop, which can be useful for defending and developing. However, playing Nd5 can also block the light-squared bishop, making it more difficult to castle kingside. In sum, Nd5 is a viable option for Black and can lead to interesting positions.

White plays d4 in response to 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 to try to gain greater control over the center of the board with two pawns. This move also helps to free up the central pawn on e5, which can then be used to attack or to create space for White's pieces. Additionally, d4 is a common move in a wide variety of openings, so it is a natural development choice for White. However, playing d4 does create a potential weakness on c4, making it important for White to keep an eye on that square and make sure it is adequately defended.

Black can play d6 in response to 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 to control the central squares d5 and e5. This move also helps defend the pawn on e5 and prepares for the knight to retreat to b6 if needed. Additionally, playing d6 opens up the diagonal for the light-squared bishop, allowing it to be developed and attack the center. In sum, d6 is a flexible move that fits well into Black's development plan and can help set up a strong defensive position.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit, White can play c4 after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 to control the central square d5 and block the central pawn on d6. This move also supports the pawn on d4 and prepares for the development of the knight to c3. Additionally, playing c4 puts pressure on the black pieces as they will have to decide how to respond to this new threat. However, c4 also creates a potential weakness on d4 that Black can exploit if they are careful in their play. In sum, this move is an important part of White's plan to control the center of the board and restrict Black's options.

Black can play Nb6 in response to 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 to attack the pawn on c4 and control the important d4 square. This move also opens up the a8-h1 diagonal for the bishop and prepares the knight for a possible central repositioning later in the game. Additionally, playing Nb6 puts pressure on the white pawn on e5, potentially hindering White's development. However, playing Nb6 does block the c-pawn and can limit the options for Black's queen and rook. In sum, this move is a solid choice for Black and can help set up a strong and flexible position.

White can play Nf3 after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 to support the pawn on e5, control key central squares, and develop a piece to an attacking square. This move also puts pressure on the black knight on d5, potentially forcing it to retreat or be exchanged for the white knight. Additionally, playing Nf3 prepares for castling kingside and for the deployment of the queen to d2 or e3. However, playing Nf3 does block the g1-a7 diagonal for the bishop and can limit the options for White's queen knight. In sum, this move is a logical and common choice for White in the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Alekhine Gambit, Black can play Bg4 after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 to pin the white knight on f3 and threaten to exchange pieces. This move also helps control the important d4 square and puts pressure on the pawn on e5. Additionally, playing Bg4 develops the bishop and prepares for castling kingside. However, playing Bg4 does risk exposing the bishop to attack from white pawns, particularly if White plays h3. In sum, Bg4 is a flexible and effective move for Black that can set them up for a strong midgame.

White can play Be2 in response to 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 Bg4 to defend the pawn on e5 and limit the potential for exchanges in the center. This move also prepares for castling kingside and frees up the queen's bishop for possible deployment to b2 or d3. Additionally, playing Be2 helps to restrict Black's options, as they will have to decide whether to exchange bishops or retreat the bishop to a potentially less active square. However, playing Be2 does block the f1-a6 diagonal for the queen and can limit the options for White's knight on g1. In sum, this move is an important part of White's development plan and can help set up a strong defensive position.