ECO code: B01
Scandinavian: Boehnke Gambit
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 e5
This gambit is a rare and aggressive variation of the Scandinavian Defense where Black immediately challenges White's control of the center by offering a pawn sacrifice with 2...e5. The characteristic feature of this move is Black's willingness to open lines quickly and gain rapid development at the cost of a pawn, aiming to unsettle White early on.
From Black’s perspective, this is an attacking choice, seeking active piece play and control over central squares. White, on the other hand, can choose to accept the gambit and try to consolidate the extra pawn or decline and focus on solid development.
The opening clearly fights over the center from the beginning, with both sides contesting key central squares actively. Black’s move 2...e5 directly challenges White’s pawn on d5 and attempts to regain influence in the center.
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: Boehnke Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #5 white