Scandinavian Defense B01

B — Semi-open games · Family: Scandinavian Defense

1. e4 d5

The Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5) challenges the center from move one — attacking e4 immediately rather than with ...e5 or ...e6. Long considered dubious, it was revived as a practical weapon and even reached elite play thanks to its clear set-ups and low theory load.

After 2.exd5 Black chooses a system, not a line: the queen sorties 2...Qa5 or 2...Qxd5 with quick ...c6 and ...Nc6 development, or the modern 2...Nf6 intending 3...Nxd5 — with the Portuguese and Icelandic Gambits available for the brave. Typical plans: the solid c6/d5 wedge, fast queenside development and piece play against White's slightly loose structure. Preparation-light and points-heavy at club level.

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Position after 2 half-moves — White to move.
Material is balanced.
Family “Scandinavian Defense” contains 45 recorded variation(s) here.

Variations tree of the Scandinavian Defense family

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45 variations of “Scandinavian Defense” · win% from 1.5M rated games · ♞ Test your knowledge vs engine

Variations of this family

Name	ECO	Main line length
Scandinavian Defense	B01	3 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack	B01	8 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack, Collijn Variation	B01	10 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System	B01	9 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack, Orthodox Attack	B01	13 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Blackburne Gambit	B01	6 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Blackburne-Kloosterboer Gambit	B01	4 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Boehnke Gambit	B01	6 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Bronstein Variation	B01	10 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Classical Variation	B01	10 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Grünfeld Variation	B01	13 plies
Scandinavian Defense: Gubinsky-Melts Defense	B01	6 plies