B01beginner

Scandinavian Defense

An aggressive defense where Black immediately challenges White's e4 pawn. The early queen development is compensated by active piece play.

39%
White wins
28%
Draw
33%
Black wins

Main Line Moves

1.e4d52.exd5Qxd53.Nc3Qa54.d4Nf65.Nf3Bf56.Bc4e6

Key Ideas

  • 1Immediately challenge the e4 pawn
  • 2Develop the queen early but actively
  • 3Solid pawn structure for Black
  • 4Quick development of minor pieces

Variations

Center Counter

e4d5exd5Qxd5Nc3Qa5d4Nf6Nf3c6Bc4Bf5Bd2e6Nd5Qd8Nxf6+gxf6

Classical line with queen retreat to a5 and solid pawn structure

Modern Scandinavian

e4d5exd5Nf6d4Nxd5Nf3g6Be2Bg7O-OO-Oc4Nb6Nc3Nc6

Black recaptures with the knight instead of the queen for flexible development

Practice the Scandinavian Defense interactively

See every move animated on the board with step-by-step explanations

Open in ChessGrind →

Related Openings