ECO code: B01
Opening Name: Scandinavian Defense: 2...Nf6 3.Nf3 Nxd5
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nxd5
FEN: rnbqkb1r/ppp1pppp/8/3n4/8/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 4
This variation of the Scandinavian Defense features Black delaying the immediate recapture of the pawn on d5 by playing 2...Nf6, attacking White's pawn on d5 and inviting White to defend or develop actively. After White develops the knight to f3, Black recaptures on d5 with the knight, gaining quick piece activity.
Characteristic: The key idea of this line is that Black prioritizes rapid development and piece activity over immediate material equality, using the knight to recapture and control central squares. The move 2...Nf6 is somewhat provocative, challenging White to decide how to maintain the pawn or develop safely.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this is a dynamic and somewhat attacking approach, aiming for active piece play and central presence rather than a purely defensive posture. White usually responds with solid development and can aim to capitalize on Black’s early knight moves. White’s play tends to be more positional and constructive, but with chances to challenge Black's setup.
Center Control: This opening directly contests the center. Black challenges White’s central pawn on d5 and aims to maintain influence over the central squares with active knight placement. White's early pawn capture on d5 and subsequent knight development also focus on central control, making the center a critical battleground in 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.Nf3 Nxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 33 - Move #6 black