ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: 2...Qxd5, Main Line, 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Bc4 Bf5 7. Bd2
This line of the Scandinavian Defense features Black recapturing the pawn early with the queen on d5 and then retreating to a5 to avoid harassment. White develops actively with moves like Nc3, d4, and Bc4, aiming to gain time by attacking Black's queen and controlling the center.
The move 7.Bd2 is characteristic because it challenges Black's queen on a5 directly, forcing Black to decide on the queen's position while simultaneously developing White's pieces harmoniously. It also supports the Bc4 bishop and prepares to castle, maintaining White's lead in development.
From White's perspective, this opening is attacking in nature, focusing on rapid development and pressure against Black's queen and central squares. Black's setup with ...c6 and ...Bf5 aims for solid piece placement and counterplay, often leading to a more defensive posture initially to withstand White's initiative.
Regarding the center, this opening definitely involves active contestation of the center. White takes the center with pawns and pieces early on, while Black counters by challenging central control indirectly, aiming for counterattacks once development is complete.
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, Main Line, 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #15 black