Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation

The move e4 is a natural move that aims to control the center of the board. White's main idea is to occupy the center with pawns and pieces and gain space to develop their pieces. Additionally, by playing e4, White hopes to reduce the mobility of the Black knight on f6, which is currently attacking the e4 pawn. By attacking the knight with e5, White gains control over d6 square, forcing Black's knight to retreat to d5, where it can be attacked further by White's pieces.

The move Nf6 is one of the most popular and aggressive responses to White's e4. By placing the knight in the center of the board, Black aims to control important squares like d5 and e4. Additionally, the knight on f6 puts pressure on White's e4 pawn, which may force White to defend the pawn and slow down their development. Moreover, the position of the knight on f6 makes it easier for Black to castle kingside and connect their rooks. In sum, Nf6 sets the stage for a sharp and dynamic game where both sides need to be careful in order to avoid potential tactical traps.

The move e5 is a logical continuation of White's opening strategy, which is to control the center of the board. By pushing the pawn to e5, White gains space in the center and puts pressure on Black's knight on f6, forcing it to retreat. Additionally, the pawn on e5 attacks Black's knight on d5, which can be a weak square in Black's position. If Black decides to take the pawn on e5, it will damage their pawn structure and potentially create weaknesses in their position. In sum, e5 is a strong and aggressive move that keeps the pressure on Black from the very beginning of the game.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation, Black wants to play Nd5 after White's move e5. The idea behind Nd5 is to attack the pawn on e5, which is currently only defended by the d4 pawn. Black also aims to increase the pressure on White's position and gain some control over the center. By exchanging the knight on d5 for the pawn on e5, Black can potentially damage White's pawn structure and create weaknesses in their position. Additionally, the knight on d5 can become a strong outpost and create threats against White's position. In sum, Nd5 is a key move in Black's plan to counterattack and seize the initiative in the opening.

The move d4 by White is a strong continuation of their opening strategy. By occupying the center with pawns, White gains more control over important squares and restricts Black's pieces. Additionally, d4 supports the pawn on e5 and prevents Black's knight on d5 from jumping to c3 or b4. The move also opens lines for White's queen and bishop, which can potentially become active and create threats against Black's position. In sum, d4 is a natural and powerful move that aims to continue White's development and put pressure on Black's position.

The move d6 by Black is a flexible move that protects their knight on d5 and prepares for the development of the light-squared bishop. Additionally, d6 creates a strong pawn chain that can potentially become an important asset in the game. By playing d6, Black also restricts White's pawn on d4 and prevents them from advancing it further. The move also prepares for a potential pawn break in the center with moves like c5 or e6. In sum, d6 is a solid and strategic move that allows Black to consolidate their position and develop their pieces.

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation, White wants to play Nf3 after Black's move d6. The knight on f3 guards the e5 pawn and attacks the pawn on d6, putting pressure on Black and potentially restricting their development. Nf3 also prepares for the development of the kingside pieces and allows White to castle kingside safely. Additionally, the knight on f3 can potentially jump to g5 and create threats against Black's position. In sum, Nf3 is a natural and useful move that aims to maintain White's strong position in the center and put pressure on Black from multiple directions.

The move dxe5 by Black is a tactical response to White's knight move to f3. By capturing the knight on d5, Black creates a double attack on White's pawn on e5 and wins material. The move also opens up lines for Black's queen and bishop, which can potentially become active and create threats against White's position. Additionally, taking the pawn on e5 destabilizes the White center and potentially creates weak pawns in their position. In sum, dxe5 is a strong and aggressive move that aims to challenge White's position and gain an advantage in material.