Openings · plays Black
The Alekhine Defence
1...Nf6 dares White to chase the knight and build a huge centre: then Black shows the pawns are targets, not strength. Hypermodern, provocative, and a fine surprise weapon against 1.e4.
Step through the main line
The lines
The Four Pawns Attack
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. f4 dxe5 6. fxe5 Nc6 7. Be3 Bf5 8. Nc3 e6
The Modern Main Line (4.Nf3)
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. Nf3 g6 5. Bc4 Nb6 6. Bb3 Bg7 7. exd6 cxd6 8. O-O O-O
The Exchange Variation
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. exd6 cxd6 6. Nc3 g6 7. Be3 Bg7 8. Rc1 O-O
How this guide is made: the lines and explanations come from the authored Strong Squares repertoire curriculum. Automated checks verify legal move sequences and required teaching fields. Independent chess-editor approval remains a private-preview release gate. Read the teaching method.