Scandinavian Defense (for Black)

The Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5) attacks the e4 pawn immediately. After 2.exd5, Black recaptures the pawn, usually with the queen: it is a direct opening, easy to learn and with clear plans.

The principle

Black opens the center at once. The price: the queen comes out early and White will gain time by attacking it with developing moves.

The main line

2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5. Attacked by the knight, the queen retreats to a5, a safe square where it stays active. After 3...Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6, Black has a solid structure with pawns on c6 and e6, close to the Caro-Kann, and a well-developed c8 bishop.

Main variations

• Retreat to d6: 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6. The queen is more central, but it can be hit by a bishop on f4 or a knight on b5: the a6 pawn precisely controls b5.
• Modern Variation: 2...Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6. Black recaptures with the knight and fianchettoes the bishop.

Typical mistakes

With Black, don't move your queen several times without a reason: every queen move is a lost tempo of development. With White, develop while gaining time on the queen, but without giving up your center.

Coach's advice

The Scandinavian is a good way to avoid the long theory of other defenses: remember the piece setups more than the exact moves. Click the colored moves to see each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6