ECO code: B02
Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5
This variation arises when Black combines the hypermodern Alekhine Defense idea—inviting White to advance in the center early—with a quick challenge of the center using ...d5, reminiscent of the Scandinavian Defense.
Characteristic: Black immediately contests White's central pawn on e4 with ...d5, aiming to undermine White's center from the flank rather than occupying it directly. This approach is somewhat provocative, inviting White to gain space but planning to undermine it later.
Playing style: For Black, this line is defensive in nature but with active counterattacking potential. Black does not claim the center outright but pressures it. White, on the other hand, can adopt an attacking posture by maintaining and expanding central control.
Center control: White typically focuses on maintaining a strong center, while Black attempts to challenge and destabilize it early. Thus, this opening does involve direct contesting of 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 Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 61 - Move #6 white