Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation: what should White play?

In the Alekhine Defense: Brooklyn Variation, reached after Black retreats the knight to c6, White enjoys an established space advantage in the center. The principal choices for White are classical development with Nf3 (evaluated at +1.00) or Nc3 (evaluated at +1.03), both of which consolidate control while preparing harmonious piece play. With nearly 98,000 games recorded from this tabiya, White consistently maintains an edge by defending the central pawn structure.

Central Development with Nf3

The move Nf3 represents a natural developing choice that secures the d4 pawn and prepares kingside castling. An illustrative engine continuation demonstrates how White can respond to Black's central counterplay: Nf3 d6 Bb5 a6 Bxc6+ bxc6. In this line, White yields the light-squared bishop to damage Black's queenside pawn structure, maintaining a persistent spatial plus.

Reinforcing the Center with Nc3 or c3

White can also focus immediately on structural stability. The engine ranks Nc3 slightly higher at +1.03, where play can proceed via Nc3 d6 f4 d5 Be2 Bf5, establishing a robust pawn front with f4. Alternatively, c3 offers an evaluation of +0.93 and solidifies the base at d4, illustrated by c3 d6 f4 Bf5 Qb3 Qc8 where White expands and applies early queen pressure.

Direct Pawn Expansion and Piece Alternatives

More direct approaches include f4 (+0.78) and Be3 (+0.73). Opting for f4 immediately clamps down on the e5 outpost, seen in f4 d5 Be2 Bf5 c3 h5. Meanwhile, Be3 develops the queenside bishop while bolstering the center, as explored in the continuation Be3 d6 Nf3 dxe5 d5 Nb4, pushing the knight away with central gain.