Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation: what should Black play?

In the Alekhine Defense: Modern Variation, Larsen Variation, Black's primary theoretical reply is Bg4, challenging White's control over the center. The position has occurred in 96,257 recorded games across various rating levels, with engines evaluating the pin on f3 as Black's soundest choice at +0.16. By developing the light-squared bishop before committing central pawns, Black immediately questions White's dynamic spatial advantage.

Strategic themes behind the main move

The move Bg4 relieves pressure on Black's position by targeting White's knight on f3, which supports the advanced pawn on e5. An illustrative continuation runs Bg4 h3 Bxf3 Qxf3 e6 Qe4, where Black trades the bishop for the knight and establishes a solid pawn structure with e6. This plan simplifies the position and neutralizes White's attempts to mount an immediate kingside initiative, leaving White with only a negligible plus according to computer analysis.

Secondary alternatives for Black

Black also has several waiting and restructuring moves, though they concede slightly more initiative to White. The solid defensive move c6 is evaluated at +0.50, steering into lines such as c6 h3 g6 Bc4 Bg7 Qe2, where Black adopts a delayed kingside fianchetto. The flank expansion a6 yields an evaluation of +0.57, frequently seen in the sequence a6 Bc4 e6 O-O b5 Bd3, seeking queenside counterplay.

Other sidelines and structural considerations

A more direct retreat like Nb6 scores an evaluation of +0.66, provoking early queen trades along the d-file in lines such as Nb6 Qxd8+ Kxd8 Nc3 e6 Be3. The modest h6 rates at +0.76 and may lead into h6 h3 a6 a3 Nc6 Bd3. None of these alternatives offer the active counterplay and near-equal engine assessment provided by the immediate Bg4.