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Scandinavian Defense

The Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5) immediately challenges White's e-pawn. After 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3, the queen must move again, but Black gets a clear development plan and avoids complicated theory.

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Variations

About the Scandinavian Defense

The Scandinavian is one of the oldest chess openings, dating back to the 15th century. After 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 (or 3...Qd6), Black develops the light-squared bishop to f5 or g4 and builds a solid position. While the early queen move costs a tempo, Black's position is easy to play and hard to crack. It gained top-level respectability when Anand lost to it as White in a World Championship match.

Key Ideas

  • 2...Qxd5 develops the queen early but gets a clear plan
  • Develop the bishop to f5 or g4 before ...e6
  • The Qa5 line gives the queen a safe square watching e1 and a2
  • ...c6, ...e6, ...Nf6, ...Be7 is the typical setup
  • Solid and practical — good for avoiding heavy theory

Related Openings

Caro-Kann: ClassicalCaro-Kann: AdvanceFrench Defense: WinawerAlekhine Defense

Ready to master the Scandinavian Defense?

Import this one or your own lines from YouTube, Lichess, or PGN and train with spaced repetition.