Alekhine Defense traps: the most-played mistakes
2 mistakes actually played in the Alekhine Defense, each verified by the engine: the position is playable before, the punishment wins material, and the player share comes from real Lichess games.
Method: Stockfish screening (depth 14 then 22), refutation = best engine moves. Frequencies: real Lichess games 1400-2200+, blitz, rapid and classical. Whatever failed verification is not published.
- Bxf7+ ?6.1% of players45,568 games
Capturing on f7 weakens White's king without real compensation. After Kxf7 d4 Kg8 a4, Black develops freely while you waste time with checks leading nowhere.
Punishment: Kxf7 d4 d6 f4 h5
+3 points of material, evaluation 2.8 after the punishment.
- Bxf7+ ?8.4% of players9,178 games
Bxf7+ is too hasty and weakens your king. After Kxf7 a4 a5 e6+, Black consolidates easily with the extra pawn and superior development. Keep the bishop on b3 where it pressures d5 safely.
Punishment: Kxf7 e6+ Kxe6 Ng5+ Kd7
+4 points of material, evaluation 2.3 after the punishment.