The Modernized Alekhine Defense

The Sicilian has long been Black’s favorite answer to 1.e4 but its popularity has started to wane. This is partly due to the large body of theory associated with it and also the presence of sharp lines leading to forced draws making it an impractical choice for stronger players competing against lower-rated counterparts. 

Two recent offers from Thinkers Publishing take a look at other ways to answer 1.e4 that don’t suffer from these problems. Perennial 2600+ rated Grandmaster Christian Bauer is the author of a number of highly praised opening books and The Modernized Alekhine Defense will only further enhance his reputation. This weighty tome is now the guide to all things Alekhine Defense related as he goes well beyond providing a narrow opening repertoire, offering multiple choices against some of White’s more popular choices. One example where he provides pioneering analysis is in his advocacy for 5…g6 in the Four Pawns Attack after 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nc3. His 2021 draw as Black against Veselin Topalov in this line is evidence that he practices what he preaches. If you play the Alekhine you must have this book. 

The Alekhine may never have enjoyed the popularity of the Sicilian but even Bobby Fischer played if from time to time including twice in the 1972 WorldChampionship match. The subject of the next book has no such stalwart backing, but is becoming increasingly popular for the aforementioned reasons: the amount of theory needed to play it is quite manageable and White has no way to force a draw.

IM John Donaldson, US Chess, 09.2021.