ECO code: B01
Scandinavian Defense: Marshall Variation, 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7
This line arises after the moves 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nf3 g6 6.Nc3 Bg7. Black’s early ...Nb6 retreats the knight to a safe square while White aims to challenge Black’s control of the center with c4. Black’s fianchetto with ...g6 and ...Bg7 is a hallmark of the Marshall Variation, aiming for a solid and flexible kingside setup.
Characteristic: The key feature of this variation is Black’s fianchettoed bishop on g7, which exerts pressure on the central and long diagonal, supporting central and queenside counterplay. Black accepts a slightly passive knight on b6 to ensure stability and counterattack chances later.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the play is generally attacking, focusing on expanding and controlling the center with pawns on d4 and c4 and developing pieces actively. Black’s setup is more defensive and positional at this stage, aiming to undermine White’s center and seek counterplay rather than immediate aggression.
Center Control: Yes, this opening heavily involves the center. White tries to maintain strong central presence with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black challenges the center indirectly through piece pressure and the fianchettoed bishop.
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 6.Nc3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #15 black