Openings · 2 min read
The Scandinavian Defence: simple, sound and easy to learn
The Scandinavian Defence is 1.e4 d5. Black trades off White's e-pawn at once and gets a clear structure with little theory.
The cost is time: after 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3, the queen is attacked and must move again.
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1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 c6
The classic Scandinavian. The queen sits on a5, and ...c6 gives her a retreat on c7.
Where the queen goes
- 3...Qa5: the traditional, active choice.
- 3...Qd6: the modern main line. The queen is harder to attack.
- 3...Qd8: passive but solid.
- 2...Nf6: recapture on d5 later with the knight. 3.d4 Bg4 is the Portuguese Gambit.
The standard setup
Whichever square the queen picks, the plan is the same: ...Nf6, ...c6, ...Bf5 or ...Bg4, ...e6, a bishop to e7 or d6, then castle. Develop the c8-bishop before ...e6, or it is shut in as in the French.
Key takeaways
- One structure and one plan cover the whole opening.
- Develop the c8-bishop before ...e6.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Scandinavian bad for Black?
- No. The Scandinavian Defence is sound. Black loses a move when Nc3 attacks the queen, but gets a solid structure and easy development in return.
- How much theory does the Scandinavian need?
- Little. Black uses one setup against most of White's tries: ...Nf6, ...c6, the bishop to f5 or g4, ...e6, then castling.
Practise the related tactics
The ideas behind this
- Queen Out Too EarlyAn early queen gets chased, and each chasing move develops a piece.
- Development TempoCount each side's developed pieces. The count tells you what to do.
- Pawn Structure MemoryRemember the pawn shape an opening leaves. The plans come with it.