ECO code: B02
Opening Name: Alekhine: Scandinavian, Exchange, 4.Nxd5
Moves: 1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. exd5 Nxd5 4. Nxd5 Qxd5
Description: This line is a variation of the Alekhine Defense transposing into a Scandinavian Exchange. After White captures on d5 with the knight, Black recaptures with the queen early, simplifying the center. The key characteristic of this move order is that White exchanges knights to reduce tension and aims to develop rapidly, while Black centralizes the queen but must be cautious not to fall behind in development.
Characteristic: By playing 4.Nxd5, White opts for an early simplification in the center, challenging Black's active knight and forcing Black's queen out early. This can lead to faster development for White and potential targets on Black’s queen.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is primarily an attacking move aimed at challenging Black’s central presence and gaining quick development. For Black, the recapture with the queen is somewhat defensive, aiming to maintain material balance but requiring careful play to avoid falling behind in development due to the queen’s early exposure.
Center Control: This opening does attack the center actively. White challenges Black’s pawn and knight on d5 early, and Black responds by maintaining central presence with the queen. The early exchanges lead to a dynamic struggle for central control.
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: Scandinavian, Exchange, 4.Nxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 52 - Move #6 white