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Scandinavian Defence (B01)

Scandinavian Defence is a defence for Black. Level: Beginner. Main line: 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6 6.Bc4 Bf5.

The main line, move by move

1. 1. e4: White takes the centre.
2. 1… d5: Black challenges e4 at once.
3. 2. exd5: White takes.
4. 2… Qxd5: Black takes back with the queen.
5. 3. Nc3: White develops with tempo by attacking the queen.
6. 3… Qa5: The queen moves to a5, out of the way of White's pieces.
7. 4. d4: White takes the centre.
8. 4… Nf6: Black develops.
9. 5. Nf3: White develops.
10. 5… c6: Black gives the queen a retreat square and controls d5.
11. 6. Bc4: White develops the bishop to an active diagonal.
12. 6… Bf5: Black develops the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain.

Ideas for White

Gain time by chasing the black queen while developing, then use the lead in development.

Ideas for Black

Accept that the queen moves twice, then develop fast to a simple, solid set-up with ...c6, ...Bf5 and ...e6.

Typical plans

• Black: ...e6, ...Bb4 or ...Be7, ...Nbd7 and castle.
• White: Bd2 and Nd5 tricks against the queen on a5.

Common mistakes

• Black leaving the queen where a knight jump or a discovered attack can hit it with tempo.
• White chasing the queen with moves that don't develop anything.

Variations

Main line (3...Qa5), 3...Qd6, 3...Qd8, Modern (2...Nf6).

Quick check

What does White gain after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3?

Answer: Time: the knight develops while attacking the queen. Black must spend another move on the queen, so White gets ahead in development.

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