Chessy
Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation for Black
After 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5, White has space and the game becomes a test of patience for Black. Your knight has been pushed around, but the position is not a trap: you still have time to build a solid setup and challenge White’s centre. The interactive drill below helps you practise the first few decisions from this exact position, so you can meet White’s most common plans without drifting into a passive game.
Play the Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation against the engine
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Play the drill now and train Black’s choices in this exact position.
Create a free account →What this position is really about
The Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation asks White to overextend early, then gives Black a target to work against. In this position, White has advanced the e-pawn and can choose from several very common continuations, so you need to stay flexible. Your practical goal is simple: keep the position under control, answer central expansion sensibly, and avoid falling behind in development while White uses the space gain.
The engine’s main idea for Black
Stockfish rates this +0.60, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly worse, so your task is to reduce White’s initiative and reach a playable middlegame. The engine’s best move here is d4, and the line continues d4 d6 c4 Nb6. That tells you the most important lesson: White’s centre is the point of contact, and Black must respond actively rather than waiting passively.
What the database says White tries most often
The position has been reached in 6,706,232 games in the Lichess database, so this is a well-tested tabiya rather than a rare sideline. White’s most-played continuations are d4, c4, Bc4, Nf3, Nc3, and Qf3. The scores are close enough to show that White does not get an easy win, but Black is still playing in a slightly uncomfortable game. That makes this a good drill position: you need habits, not memorised tricks.
The one mistake to know
One known mistake is Qf3, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns; better was c4. If White plays Qf3, do not panic or overreact. Just remember that White has chosen a less accurate move, and your job is to stay organised and keep the pressure on the centre and development. In practical play, that kind of small slip can matter a lot if you remain calm.
Results across 6,706,232 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d4 | 2,709,402 | 49.5% |
| c4 | 2,323,793 | 49.8% |
| Bc4 | 769,600 | 49.2% |
| Nf3 | 607,645 | 50.0% |
| Nc3 | 118,379 | 50.7% |
| Qf3 | 78,380 | 48.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation good for Black?
It is playable, but this position is not an opening where Black is clearly better. Stockfish gives +0.60, so White has a small edge, and the database also shows White scoring a little better overall. That means you should aim for a solid, practical game rather than expecting an opening advantage.
What is the main move for White in this position?
The engine’s best move is d4, and it continues with d4 d6 c4 Nb6. White’s other common tries are c4, Bc4, Nf3, Nc3, and Qf3. In the drill, focus on handling central expansion cleanly.
What should Black be trying to do?
Black should keep the position under control and answer White’s centre with active piece play. In this exact position, the engine points to d4 as the key continuation. The main practical lesson is not to waste time while White claims space.
Is Qf3 a good idea for White?
No. Qf3 is listed as an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns, with c4 given as better. If your opponent plays it, you can treat it as a sign that White has not chosen the most accurate plan.
How many games feature the Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation?
Over 7 million Lichess games have reached the Alekhine Defense: Normal Variation position. White wins 49.6%, Black wins 46.8%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.