Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3 c6 6.e4) Chess Puzzles
Most common moves: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3 c6 6.e4 / 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3 / 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5.
The “queens gambit declined alekhine variation” is a Queens Gambit Declined line where Black adopts an Alekhine-style approach—most notably by allowing or provoking central tension and then challenging White’s center with tempo. I don’t have a reliably documented, universally agreed exact move order for this specific named sub-variation (as used on Lichess/opening databases), so I can’t safely list the precise sequence without risking confusion with a sibling line. What you should look for instead is the defining feature: a QGD structure where Black’s play is driven by counterplay against White’s central setup rather than passive consolidation.
To spot this concept in practice, watch for a QGD position where Black’s pieces are ready to contest the center immediately (often by pressuring White’s central pawns or undermining them) rather than simply matching White’s pawn structure. When using it as Black, aim to make White commit to a central plan—then hit the center with tactical or tempo-based pressure consistent with an Alekhine-like counterpunch. As White, your best recognition cue is whether Black is trying to seize initiative through central challenges; respond by clarifying your center (and piece placement) so Black’s counterplay doesn’t gain time.
| Chess.com Elo | Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | All White games | Queens Gambit Declined Queens Knight Variation | Queen's Gambit DeclinedOther Variations | Queens Gambit Declined Miles Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750–1000 | 52.8% | 50.3% | 53.5% | 53.5% | 52.0% |
| 1000–1250 | 52.5% | 50.0% | 53.3% | 52.0% | 52.1% |
| 1250–1500 | 51.3% | 49.8% | 52.4% | 49.6% | 51.8% |
| 1500–1750 | 50.1% | 49.4% | 51.1% | 48.9% | 51.1% |
| 1750–2000 | 49.5% | 48.7% | 50.4% | 49.4% | 50.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions: queens gambit declined alekhine variation
- What is the defining move order for the queens gambit declined alekhine variation?
- I can’t provide a specific, universally verified move sequence for this exact named variation because the precise order isn’t consistently documented across sources. The safest way to identify it is by the characteristic QGD structure plus Alekhine-style central counterplay (Black challenging White’s center with tempo rather than playing passively).
- How do I recognize this variation from the resulting position?
- Look for a Queens Gambit Declined pawn structure where Black’s plan is to contest the center immediately—pressuring or undermining White’s central pawns—rather than only developing and matching. If Black’s pieces are poised for tempo-gaining central action, you’re likely in the queens gambit declined alekhine variation concept.
- What are Black’s typical strategic goals in this concept?
- Black typically tries to provoke White’s central commitments and then strike back against the center with tempo-based pressure. The key is initiative: Black wants the game to revolve around central tension and counterplay, not around a quiet, symmetrical QGD.
- What should White focus on to play against it?
- White should aim to make the central plan clear and reduce the effectiveness of Black’s tempo-based central challenges. In practical terms, that means piece placement that supports your central pawns and prevents Black from gaining easy targets or tactical breaks in the center.
Practice Puzzles: queens gambit declined alekhine variation
- Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | Fork — Decisive Material Gain
- Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | Win a Fork — Decisive Material Gain
- Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | Win Material — Discovered Attack
- Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | Win Material — Hanging Piece Tactic
- Queens Gambit Declined Alekhine Variation | Win Material — Tactical Refutation