Scandinavian Defence: moves, ideas and plans

Black challenges e4 from move one. Easy to learn, with a clear, solid setup.

B01Play it as BlackBeginner12 moves

Main line: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Bc4 Bf5

Key ideas

• The queen comes out early but finds safety on a5.
• ...c6 gives the queen a retreat.
• The bishop goes to f5 before ...e6.

The Scandinavian Defence move by move

Every move of the main line, with the reason it is played. The final position is recognised in the opening database as B01 Scandinavian Defense: Main Line, Mieses Variation.

1. 1. e4Centre.
2. 1… d5The Scandinavian: an immediate challenge to e4.
3. 2. exd5White takes.
4. 2… Qxd5Black recaptures with the queen.
5. 3. Nc3White gains time by attacking the queen.
6. 3… Qa5The queen's safest square. Once the d-pawn moves, it will pin the c3 knight to the king.
7. 4. d4White takes the centre.
8. 4… Nf6Development.
9. 5. Nf3Development.
10. 5… c6Gives the queen a retreat to c7 and supports d5.
11. 6. Bc4The bishop develops actively.
12. 6… Bf5Black's bishop comes out before ...e6.

More openings for Black