When this long forgotten second round tournament game popped up I wasn't really in the mood. I'd not long moved house, had plenty else to do and had just a half dozen or so games on tick over. Nevertheless I have had some fun games with this opponent so chose to play on.

Despite the direct first move the Alekhine's Defence can lead to some quite sinuous positions.

You either have to support it, shove it or sac it, so we may as well dislodge the knight from it's theoretical best square.

Some master level mavericks have made Ne4 playable but it's a tightrope not many are prepared to walk.

I quite like this move and have had some interesting games OTB with it. It gets a couple of lines in NCO and not much more in full works on the Alekhine's. If Black exchanges knights White has easy development after dxc3 in return for doubled pawns. Alternatively after bxc3 he can set up c3, d4 and e5 in the centre and aim for the Southwest to Northeast flow of pieces towards Black's kingside.

Previously he played Nxc3 which is the usual move. I've no idea if this was the result of research, preparation or improvisation at the screen.

In the hope that I can keep some fluidity in the centre as much as anything else. I don't believe the doubled d pawn is a serious drawback for Black.

White now has unobstructed development for his Bishops and a slightly shaky pawn head in the centre.

Immediately challenging the head of the pawn chain and looking to dissolve the doubled pawn.

If exd6 then Bxd6 leaves White one move behind in development.