ECO code: B01
Opening Name: Scandinavian Defense: 2...Nf6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bc4
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. Bc4
Description: This variation of the Scandinavian Defense arises after Black immediately challenges White’s central pawn with 2...Nf6 instead of recapturing the pawn right away. White responds with an early check 3.Bb5+, aiming to disrupt Black’s development and provoke a weakening move such as 3...Bd7. The follow-up 4.Bc4 places the bishop actively, targeting the sensitive f7-square and putting pressure on Black’s position.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this line is White’s early check with 3.Bb5+, which forces Black to commit to a somewhat passive bishop placement on d7. White’s bishop move to c4 further increases pressure on Black’s kingside, aiming to exploit the slightly awkward Black setup.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this line is primarily attacking. White aggressively challenges Black’s development and targets weaknesses around Black’s king early on. Black, on the other hand, adopts a somewhat defensive stance, trying to neutralize White’s initiative while preparing to regain the pawn and complete development.
Control of the Center: This opening does involve a contest over the center, but in an indirect way. While White has already exchanged the central pawn on d5, the placement of pieces (especially the bishop on c4) aims to influence central and kingside squares. Black attempts to reclaim the pawn and challenge White’s central influence, making the battle for the center a dynamic feature of this variation.
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+ Bd7 4.Bc4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 white