Alexander Kevitz - Theoretical Contributions

Theoretical Contributions

Kevitz made important contributions to several chess openings. In the Reti Opening, he developed the line 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4. The variation of the Symmetrical English Opening (A31) arising after 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5 5.Nb5 d5 is often referred to as the Kevitz Gambit. In the English Opening, Flohr-Mikenas variation (A18), the line 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 Nc6 is known as the Kevitz Variation. The variation 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 Nc6 is sometimes called the Kevitz-Trajkovic Defence, alternatively the Black Knights' Tango or Mexican Defence. In the Nimzowitsch Defence, 1.e4 Nc6, the Kevitz Variation continues 2.d4 e5. In the 1940s, Kevitz analyzed a new idea in the Ruy Lopez, Marshall Attack, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 c6 12.Bxd5 cxd5 13.d4 Bd6 14.Re3, which prepares 15.h3 in the event of 14...Qh4.

Kevitz was respected by his chess rivals as an original player, thinker, and analyst. He was active in tournament play until age 78 in 1980, the year before his death.