Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.c4

Before the first move

The Scandinavian Defense is a direct challenge to White's center. In this variation, Black delays capturing the d5-pawn with the queen, instead using a knight to recapture. White attempts to stubbornly cling to the extra pawn by reinforcing it with the c-pawn, leading to sharp, unbalanced play.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This move claims the center, opens paths for your queen and light-squared bishop, and sets the stage for an active game where you control the pace from the very first step.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, initiating the Scandinavian Defense. By attacking e4 on move one, Black avoids many of White's prepared systems. While d5 is the main challenge, Black sometimes tries the French Defense with e6 or the Caro-Kann with c6.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. exd5White · your move

Capture the d5-pawn with your e-pawn. This is the most principled response, accepting the challenge and removing Black's central presence. You gain a temporary material advantage and force Black to decide how they will recover the pawn.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Zukertort Opening: Tennison Gambit) · b3 (Scandinavian Defense) · b4 (Scandinavian Defense: Zilbermints Gambit) · d3 (Scandinavian: 2.d3)

2... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, the Modern Variation of the Scandinavian. Rather than the immediate Qxd5, which can lead to the queen being chased, Black develops a piece first. Other aggressive tries here include the Blackburne-Kloosterboer Gambit with c6 or the Boehnke Gambit with e5.

Other paths here: c6 (Scandinavian Defense: Blackburne-Kloosterboer Gambit) · Qxd5 (Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation) · e5 (Scandinavian: Boehnke Gambit)

3. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4 to defend the d5-pawn. This move signals your intention to hold onto the extra material. It creates a strong pawn chain, though it does slightly weaken the d4-square and delays your kingside development.

Other paths here: d4 (Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation) · Bb5+ (Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.Bb5+) · Bc4 (Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.Bc4) · Nf3 (Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.Nf3)

Where you stand

The position is tense. White holds a pawn advantage but has created some structural weaknesses, particularly the hole on d4. Black will likely respond with c6 or e6 to break the center open and use their lead in development to compensate for the missing pawn. Both sides must balance material greed against the need for rapid piece activity.

• c7-c6 Challenge the d5-pawn and open lines
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and control d4
• f8-b4 Pin the knight if it moves to c3
• d2-d4 Solidify the center and free the bishop