Scandinavian Defense, Modern Variation

The Modern Variation begins 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6. Instead of recapturing immediately with the queen, Black moves the g8-knight to f6 and attacks White's pawn on d5. This avoids allowing 3.Nc3 to bring out a piece while attacking a queen placed on d5.

The sequence is written in algebraic notation: squares such as e4 combine a column letter and row number; N means knight, B bishop, R rook, and Q queen; pawn moves normally show their destination, x marks a capture, and + marks check. Moves are read in pairs, White first and Black second; dots before a move shown alone indicate Black's turn.

White may return the pawn in a controlled way with 3.d4. After 3...Nxd5 4.c4, the c-pawn attacks the knight, controls more squares, and gains ground. Black's knight has left its starting square but may have to move a second time. White may also try to hold the pawn with 3.c4, allowing sharper responses.

The move 2...Nf6 does not lead to only one kind of position. A gambit is a deliberate offer of material in exchange for rapid play. After 3.d4, Black may recover on d5 or choose the Portuguese Gambit with 3...Bg4. After 3.c4, Black may enter the Icelandic-Palme Gambit with 3...e6.

Modern is an established opening name, not a claim that the line is newer or better than the queen-recapture system. Its central idea is to delay the recapture, bring out a piece, and keep several options. The risk is that White may control more squares or keep the extra pawn for several moves.