ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: 2...Qxd5, 5.Nf3 Bg4
This line arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 Bg4. Black recaptures the pawn early with the queen and then develops actively, placing the bishop on g4 to pin White’s knight on f3. This move is characteristic for Black’s intent to increase pressure on White’s center and kingside by restraining White’s knight and preparing for rapid development.
Characteristic of 5...Bg4: It is a developing move that pins the knight, aiming to disrupt White’s natural development and potentially provoke weaknesses. It also supports Black’s plan to challenge White’s control of the center and create tactical opportunities.
Playing style: For Black, 5...Bg4 is an attacking move, targeting White’s knight and increasing piece activity. For White, the position demands careful defense and consolidation of the center to avoid losing tempo or structural weaknesses.
Center control: This opening fights directly for the center. White establishes a strong pawn presence with d4, while Black challenges it immediately with the queen and knights. The pin by Bg4 indirectly pressures White’s center by targeting one of its key defenders (the knight on f3).
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...Qxd5, 5.Nf3 Bg4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 17 - Move #7 white