Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Mikenas Variation

One of the most aggressive openings against the Alekhine Defense is the Two Pawns Attack. In this variation, White pushes their e-pawn to control the center and create space for their pieces. The idea behind this move is to exert pressure on Black's knight on f6 to force it to move, thereby weakening Black's control over the center. Thanks to this early initiative, White can quickly develop their pieces and launch a strong attack on Black's position.

By playing Nf6, Black puts immediate pressure on White's central pawn on e4. This move also allows Black to control important central squares, thereby limiting White's options for future moves. In addition, the knight on f6 attacks the pawn on e5, forcing White to either retreat the pawn or trade it, which can slightly weaken their pawn structure. In sum, Nf6 is a solid choice for Black, allowing them to maintain some control over the board while simultaneously hindering White's development.

White's move to e5 increases their control over the center, attacking Black's knight and gaining space in the process. This move can also prevent Black from playing d5 to support their knight on f6. By forcing the knight to move, White hopes to gain an advantage in development and central control, potentially leading to a strong attack. However, this move also leaves White's pawn on e5 somewhat vulnerable, as it can become a target for Black's pieces if White doesn't have adequate support.

In the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Mikenas Variation, Black's response of Nd5 challenges White's pawn on e5 and interferes with White's control of the center of the board. This move also puts pressure on White, forcing them to either recapture with another pawn or move the attacked e-pawn, potentially losing part of their control over the board. By placing the knight on d5, Black also occupies a crucial central square, strengthening their own control over the board. With this move, Black can hope to gain momentum and start building their own counter-attack.

White's move to c4 in response to the Alekhine Defense with Nd5 is aimed at undermining Black's control over the center of the board. By attacking the knight on d5, White creates a potential weakness in Black's position and potentially forces the knight to retreat, thereby disrupting Black's development. Additionally, c4 opens up space for White's pieces to enter the game and supports White's later push of d4, which would further bolster their control over the center. In sum, c4 is a flexible move that can be adapted to different situations and strategies, providing White with numerous options for attacking Black's position.

In response to the Two Pawns Attack with c4, Black's move to Nb6 aims to challenge White's control over the center of the board and prepare for the development of the dark-squared bishop. This move also places pressure on the c-pawn, potentially allowing Black to capture it and disrupt White's pawn structure. Additionally, Nb6 frees up the c7 square for Black's queen, which can be used to further undermine White's center and support Black's attack. With this move, Black seeks to gain a foothold on the board and begin building a counter-attack against White's position.

In the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Mikenas Variation, White's move to c5 aims to gain space on the board and control more of the center. This move also attacks Black's knight on b6, potentially forcing it to retreat and disrupt Black's development. Additionally, by pushing the c-pawn, White creates weaknesses in Black's pawn structure, which can be exploited in later moves. With c5, White can also prepare for a future push of d4, which would further increase their control over the board and make it difficult for Black to mount an effective counter-attack. In sum, c5 is a powerful move that can put significant pressure on Black's position and shape the course of the game.

In response to White's advance of the c-pawn to c5, Black can play Nd5, which aims to trade off White's pawn for Black's knight and eliminate the immediate threat to Black's position. By retreating the knight back to d5, Black regains control of the center and establishes a solid foundation for further development. Additionally, capturing the c-pawn with the knight can help to open up the c-file for Black's rook, which can be used to infiltrate White's position. However, the capture of the c-pawn can also leave Black's position somewhat open, potentially exposing them to counter-attacks from White's pieces. Therefore, while Nd5 can provide Black with some short-term benefits, they should remain alert to potential weaknesses in their position.

White's move to Bc4 after Black's Nd5 response aims to develop the bishop and target Black's weakened kingside. With Bc4, White puts pressure on Black's pawn on f7, potentially forcing Black to defend their position. Additionally, Bc4 prepares for a future castling move, allowing White to secure their king's safety while continuing to exert pressure on Black's position. The bishop on c4 also helps to control important squares in the center of the board, further strengthening White's hold over the game. With Bc4, White seeks to initiate a strong attack against Black, capitalizing on the vulnerable areas in Black's position and bringing more pieces into the game.

In the Alekhine Defense: Two Pawns Attack, Mikenas Variation, Black's move to e6 after White's Bc4 is aimed at solidifying their position and creating more space for their pieces. By playing e6, Black also provides additional support for their knight on d5, making it more difficult for White to dislodge it. This move also helps to close off some lines for White's bishop, limiting its potential for attacking Black's position. Additionally, e6 prepares for the eventual development of Black's light-squared bishop, which can be deployed to help defend against White's attacks. In sum, e6 is a flexible and adaptive move that can help to strengthen Black's position and prepare for different strategic options.

White's move to Nc3 in response to Black's e6 aims to develop the knight and control important central squares. By placing the knight on c3, White prepares for a future attack on Black's position with possible tempo gains. Additionally, Nc3 allows White to support their central pawns and maintain control over the board's center while keeping Black on the defensive. White's move also opens up potential retreat paths for their bishop, which can be useful when under attack. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible move that can be adapted to different situations and strategies, providing White with numerous options for attacking Black's position.

In response to White's Nc3, Black's move to d6 aims to secure their position and protect their knight on d5. This move also prepares for the eventual advancement of Black's central pawns, which can be used to free up space for their pieces. By playing d6, Black also limits White's options for attacking their position, while developing their dark-squared bishop. Additionally, d6 can help Black to establish a fortress around their king, making it more difficult for White to mount a decisive attack. In sum, d6 is a solid move that helps to consolidate Black's position and prepare for future strategic options.