Chessy
Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack for White
The Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack gives White an early space grab and a direct question: how will Black react to the advanced e-pawn and the knight on c3? In the main position after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3, the game is already concrete. White has a small edge, but Black has clear replies and the right move order matters. Use the drill below to get comfortable with the critical position, the most common continuations, and the mistakes you can punish.
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Create a free account →What the main position is asking
After 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3, White has space and an active queenside knight, but Black is not without resources. This opening is about keeping the initiative while avoiding loose play. You are not trying to win by force in one move; you are trying to make Black deal with your central space and your lead in development. The main practical lesson is simple: know the critical position, then respond confidently when Black chooses a natural continuation.
The engine move to understand
Stockfish rates this +0.34, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here. The engine’s best move for Black is e6, continuing e6 Nxd5 exd5 d4. That tells you the position is still alive for Black, so you should be ready for an active central response rather than assuming the extra space wins on its own. In the drill, focus on what your pieces want to do after Black strikes at the centre.
What the database says
Across 118,307 games at this exact position, White wins 50.7%, draws 4.5%, and Black wins 44.7%. That is a healthy result for White, but it is not a crushing one. The opening rewards players who understand the position rather than memorising long forcing lines. If you like playing for space and a comfortable middlegame, this is a good practical weapon; if you prefer ultra-forced theory, it may feel less direct.
The replies you will see most often
The most-played continuation is Nxc3, with 80,810 games, and White scores 49.8% there. The other common replies are e6, with 13,506 games and White scoring 51.9%; Nb6, with 13,303 games and White scoring 48.9%; c6, with 6,422 games and White scoring 52.8%; d6, with 1,483 games and White scoring 72.2%; and Nf4, with 1,080 games and White scoring 61.9%. In other words, Black has several practical choices, so your goal is to recognise the position quickly and stay calm whichever move appears on the board.
The mistakes to punish
Two moves stand out as known mistakes here. d6 is a blunder, losing about 3.9 pawns; the better move was e6. Nf4 is a mistake, losing about 1.6 pawns; again, the better move was e6. These are useful to know because they show the kind of play that can go wrong for Black: drifting away from the main central solution or choosing a move that is too loose. If Black gives you one of these, trust the evaluation and play confidently.
Results across 118,307 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nxc3 | 80,810 | 49.8% |
| e6 | 13,506 | 51.9% |
| Nb6 | 13,303 | 48.9% |
| c6 | 6,422 | 52.8% |
| d6 | 1,483 | 72.2% |
| Nf4 | 1,080 | 61.9% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack good for White?
It gives White a small edge in the main position, according to Stockfish. The database also shows White scoring well overall at this exact position. That makes it a practical choice if you want a space advantage and a playable middlegame.
What is Black’s best move here?
The engine’s best move is e6, with the continuation e6 Nxd5 exd5 d4. That is the move to expect if Black wants the most accurate reaction. In the drill, be ready for Black to challenge the centre immediately.
What should I watch for as White after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3?
You should be ready for Black’s central counterplay and for common replies like Nxc3, e6, Nb6, and c6. This is not a one-line trap opening; it is about handling the position well. Keep your pieces coordinated and use your space sensibly.
Are there mistakes I can punish in this position?
Yes. d6 is listed as a blunder, and Nf4 is listed as a mistake. If Black plays either, the position becomes much easier for you, so it is worth spotting them quickly in your drills.
How many games feature the Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack?
Over 118K Lichess games have reached the Alekhine Defense: Sämisch Attack position. White wins 50.7%, Black wins 44.7%, with 4.5% draws — based on real rated games.