ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: Marshall Variation, 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6
This line arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Nxd5 4. c4 Nb6 5. Nf3 g6. Here, Black fianchettoes the kingside bishop with ...g6, aiming for solid, hypermodern control of the center from a distance rather than direct occupation.
Characteristic of the move 5...g6: By playing ...g6, Black prepares to develop the bishop to g7, exerting long-range pressure on the central and queenside squares. This is a flexible and resilient setup that supports counterplay without immediate confrontation in the center.
Attacking or Defensive? For Black, this setup is generally more defensive and positional, focusing on solid development and control rather than early attacks. White, meanwhile, holds a spatial advantage in the center with pawns on d4 and c4 and can use this to launch an attacking initiative.
Center Control: White actively controls the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black challenges the center from a distance with pieces rather than pawns. Thus, this opening features a contest of central influence, with White occupying the center and Black aiming to undermine it strategically.
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: Marshall, 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #15 black