Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...Nf6

= Alekhine's Defence =

1...Nf6
The main idea of the Alekhine is to allow White to advance and push pawns, which Black can pick at later. While it is not played very often at master level, it is not unsound. White's most popular continuation is /2. e5/, and White has dreams of advancing in the center with d4, later c4, and sometimes even f4. Black hopes to attack and destroy White's pawn center in the future.

If White doesn't want to follow the main line, they may simply defend the pawn with /2. Nc3/ (which may transpose to Vienna Game).

A sharp variation called the Krejcik Variation consists in playing /2. Bc4/. It looks like a gambit, but in fact, if Black plays 2...Nxe4, White can regain the pawn and prevent Black from castling with 3. Bxf7+ Kxf7 4. Qh5+.

The opening is named after Alexander Alekhine, who introduced it in 1921; however, the theory and mainlines were created much later.

Theory table
1.e4 Nf6