ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3 Nf6
This variation arises after the moves 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nf3 Nf6. Black recaptures the pawn early with the queen and then develops the knight to f6, putting immediate pressure on White's center and challenging White's development.
Characteristic: The move 3...Nf6 is a flexible and natural developing move that aims to quickly challenge White's control over the center and prepare for kingside development. It also helps Black to avoid being pinned down by White’s Nc3, which can harass the queen on d5.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this setup is slightly more active and attacking than the traditional Scandinavian lines where Black retreats the queen early. Black aims to contest the center and develop pieces rapidly. For White, the play is more positional and developmental, focusing on gaining time by attacking Black’s queen and completing rapid development.
Center Control: This opening directly contests the center from the first moves. Black challenges White's central pawn on e4 immediately with 1...d5 and continues to pressure the center with 3...Nf6. White, meanwhile, aims to maintain or increase central control by developing quickly and possibly playing d4 in the near future.
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 3.Nf3 Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 21 - Move #4 white