Opening for Black · ECO B01
Scandinavian Defense in chess
1.e4 d5
Black attacks e4 from move one. Little theory, similar positions: a simple defense to set up against 1.e4.
The ideas
Black
- Open the center from move one.
- Develop quickly: …Nf6, …Bf5 or …Bg4, …c6.
- Put the queen on a5 or d6.
White
- Gain time by attacking the queen.
- Take the center with d4.
- Use the lead in development.
Main variations
Main line (3…Qa5)
2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5
Queen on a5, then …Nf6, …c6 and …Bf5: a solid position that is easy to play.
Modern line (3…Qd6)
2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 a6
On d6, the queen avoids losing time. …a6 stops White from hitting it with Nb5.
2…Nf6 line
2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.O-O O-O
Black takes back with the knight instead of the queen, then plays a fianchetto.
By the numbers
Black’s replies to 1.e4
1…d5 is the fourth most played reply, behind 1…e5, the Sicilian and the French. Out of 1527.9 million Lichess games.
Other openings
Frequently asked questions
Is the Scandinavian Defense good for beginners?
Yes. Black sets the structure from move one, there is little theory and the plans look alike from one game to the next.
Isn’t bringing the queen out so early a mistake?
White gains a tempo with Nc3, but on a5 or d6 the queen is safe. Black’s position stays solid.
How do I remember the Scandinavian lines?
By replaying them on the board instead of rereading them. ChessFlux makes you replay your repertoire move by move and comes back to the moves you forget.