Chessy
The Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation, Everglades Variation
You have voluntarily retreated your knight back to g8 on move two, then pushed f7-f5 against White's advanced e5-pawn. This is the Alekhine Defense crossed with something far more adventurous — the Brooklyn Variation, Everglades Variation. It is not an opening for the faint of heart. Stockfish assesses the position at +1.81, a near-winning advantage for White, and the database across 601 games shows White scoring 66.1%. Your job is to survive, understand why the position is so difficult, and learn how to keep the game alive when White responds correctly. The drill below will help you navigate the critical first reply.
Play the Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation, Everglades Variation against the engine
Free, no signup — you play black, the engine adapts to your level.
Try the interactive drill below to practise defending the Everglades Variation as Black. Play through the critical lines and see how the engine responds to your
Create a free account →The Position After 3…f5 — What Went Wrong?
After 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Ng8, Black has already spent two moves retreating the same knight. That is a large concession in development. Then 3.d4 f5 challenges the e5-pawn directly, but it does not address your lag in development or your lack of central control. White still has a pawn on d4 and a lead in space. The engine evaluation of +1.81 means White is close to winning if they play accurately. From your perspective as Black, you are significantly worse — every move from here matters enormously.
White's Best Move: Nc3
The engine's top choice is 4.Nc3, continuing development while keeping the tension in the centre. The suggested follow-up is Nc3 e6 Be3 d6. White wants to complete development, keep the e5 pawn, and eventually open lines against your king. Against Nc3, your plan should be to challenge the centre with …d6 and get your pieces out — but be prepared for a cramped, passive game. You will not get much counterplay early on.
The Most Common Mistake: 4.exf6
Many White players instinctively capture with 4.exf6, opening the f-file. While this is the most-played move (176 games), it is actually an inaccuracy that loses roughly 0.8 pawns of White's advantage. The better move was Nc3. If your opponent plays 4.exf6, you should be relieved. After 4…exf6 (or 4…Nxf6) you get a playable game — Black's position becomes much less dangerous than it is against Nc3. White's win rate drops from what it could be, and you can aim for …d5 and normal development. Watch for this mistake and capitalise on it.
Other Replies You May Face
Here are the most frequent moves White chooses, and what they mean for you: - 4.Nf3 (103 games, White scores 68.0%): A solid developing move. Black should respond with …d6 or …e6 and accept a passive setup. - 4.f4 (86 games, White scores 57.0%): A less threatening option — White's score drops noticeably. You can take on e5 (…fxe4) or play …d6. This is one of the better outcomes for Black. - 4.Bd3 (60 games, White scores 63.3%): Developing the bishop. Play …d6 and try to trade off pieces to relieve pressure. - 4.Qh5+ (30 games, White scores 80.0%): Check! Black must block with …g6 (or …Ke7 which is risky). After 4…g6 5.Qe2, White has a huge lead. Avoid this by not allowing the queen to come out with check in the first place.
Results across 601 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| exf6 | 176 | 69.9% |
| Nf3 | 103 | 68.0% |
| f4 | 86 | 57.0% |
| Bd3 | 60 | 63.3% |
| Nc3 | 32 | 68.8% |
| Qh5+ | 30 | 80.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Alekhine Defense Brooklyn Variation playable for Black?
The Everglades Variation (3…f5) gives White a near-winning advantage at +1.81. White wins 66.1% of games from this position, while Black wins only 31.4%. It is objectively poor, but if you want to play it, be ready for a tough defensive struggle.
What is Black's best move after 4.Nc3 in the Everglades Variation?
The engine's suggested continuation is 4…e6 5.Be3 d6, challenging the e5 pawn and trying to free Black's position. The key is to get your pieces out while keeping the king safe — expect a cramped game.
Should White capture on f6 with exf6 in this variation?
No. 4.exf6 is an inaccuracy that loses roughly 0.8 pawns of White's advantage. The better move is Nc3. If your opponent plays exf6, you get a much more playable position as Black.
What is the ECO code for the Alekhine Defense Brooklyn Variation Everglades Variation?
This line falls under ECO code B02, which covers Alekhine's Defence and its less common sidelines, including the Brooklyn and Everglades variations.