Chess opening · ECO B02
Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation
The Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation starts 1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5. It ranks #77 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 2. e5White advances the e-pawn to e5, staking a claim in the center. It now attacks the knight on f6.
- 2... Nd5Black moves the knight from f6 to d5.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is c4; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d4.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | c4 42% | d4 36% | Bc4 16% |
| 1200–1399 | d4 35% | c4 30% | Bc4 21% |
| 1400–1599 | d4 41% | c4 34% | Bc4 16% |
| 1600–1799 | c4 42% | d4 38% | Bc4 10% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 43% | c4 40% | Nf3 7% |
| 2000 and up | d4 45% | c4 31% | Bc4 9% |
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