Scandinavian defence

The Scandinavian Defence – Modern Variation arises after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6. ECO code: B01.

Overview

With 2...Nf6, Black declines to recapture the pawn with the queen, instead developing a piece and avoiding the tempo loss inherent in 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3.

Main Lines

After 3.d4 Nxd5:

• 4.c4 Nb6 – The most active retreat.

• 4.c4 Nf6 – The Marshall Retreat Variation.

• 4.Nf3 – A flexible developing move.

The sharp 3...Bg4!? is the Portuguese (Jadoul) Variation, sacrificing the d-pawn for rapid development.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Black aims for rapid piece development and a solid pawn structure without the drawback of the early queen exposure. White typically maintains a spatial advantage with the c4/d4 pawn centre. The Modern Variation is considered fully sound and is the choice of many modern grandmasters.