Scandinavian Defense

In algebraic notation, d5 is the square in column d and row 5. The Scandinavian Defense answers the initial advance of White's pawn in front of the king with d5. Black's pawn immediately attacks the pawn on e4, so White must soon decide whether to capture, advance, or defend it. This direct confrontation often opens the center earlier than many other defenses.

The queen recapture accepts a tempo to recover the pawn

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Startd5exd5Qxd5Nc3Qa5d4c6

1...d5 sends Black's pawn to a square from which it will attack e4 and makes White define the center early.

Black challenges e4 on the first move

The Scandinavian answers 1.e4 with an immediate central confrontation.

1. 1...d5 sends Black's pawn to a square from which it will attack e4 and makes White define the center early.

The most visible continuation has White capture on d5 and Black recapture with the queen. A white knight then commonly moves to c3 while attacking the queen, which must move again. White has used a move to bring out a piece and make a threat; Black accepts the extra queen move in exchange for recovering the pawn and reaching a clear position. Another major approach is to delay the recapture and move the g8-knight to f6.

2...Nf6 avoids exposing the queen and allows White space

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StartNf6d4Nxd5c4Nb6

2...Qxd5 recovers the pawn now, but allows 3.Nc3 to develop with an attack.

The same position offers two ways to recover the pawn

Black must choose between immediate material equality and development without an exposed queen.

1. 2...Qxd5 recovers the pawn now, but allows 3.Nc3 to develop with an attack.
2. 2...Nf6 develops the knight and targets d5 without committing the queen yet.

What each side must manage

• White should use moves that bring pieces out with threats, without chasing the queen through pawn advances that weaken the position.
• Black must place the queen safely, bring out the remaining pieces quickly, and avoid falling behind while the center is open.