ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4
This variation of the Scandinavian Defense features Black developing the knight to f6 immediately after White captures the d5 pawn. The key characteristic of this move is that Black aims to quickly challenge White’s control of the center and put immediate pressure on the d5 pawn, rather than recapturing it right away with the queen.
From Black’s perspective, this is an active and attacking approach, seeking rapid piece development and counterplay. White, by playing 3. d4, strives to maintain a strong presence in the center, making this an opening focused on central control for both sides.
Overall, the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation leads to dynamic play where both players contest the center early, with Black aiming for piece activity over material recovery at once.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 64 - Move #6 white