ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: 2...Nf6 3.Bb5+
The Scandinavian Defense arises after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6, and the variation 3.Bb5+ is an interesting check by White. This move immediately puts pressure on Black by checking the king and forcing Black to respond, often disrupting Black's natural development.
Characteristic: The check 3.Bb5+ is a less common but sharp try that aims to challenge Black's setup early. It can lead to White gaining a tempo and forcing Black to make a decision about how to block the check, potentially giving White an initiative.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, 3.Bb5+ is an attacking move, as it actively seeks to unsettle Black's position and gain the initiative. For Black, the move is more defensive, as Black must carefully respond to the check while maintaining central and piece coordination.
Center Control: This variation still revolves around contesting the center. Although White gives a check rather than immediately occupying the center with pawns, the underlying goal remains to challenge Black's central presence and development. Black’s early ...Nf6 supports central control, so the battle for the center continues dynamically after this check.
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: 2...Nf6 3.Bb5+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 16 - Move #6 white