Chess Openings·Scandinavian Defence, Main Variation

Semi-Open Game

Scandinavian Defence, Main Variation

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5

Step through

6 / 6
  1. 1.
  3. 2.
  5. 3.

Tap a move to jump to that position.

Central pawns disappear early and the lines swing open. Pieces, not pawns, are the ones that take the open squares. None of the four central squares holds a pawn. 2 pieces have left the board. Neither side has castled yet.

The position

Length
6 moves
To move
White
Legal replies
32
Minor pieces out
White 1 · Black 0
Material
level
Castling rights left
KQkq
FEN
rnb1kbnr/ppp1pppp/8/q7/8/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 2 4

Move by move

Each move spelled out: which piece went from where to where.

  1. 1.e4White: Pawn e2→e4
  2. 1…d5Black: Pawn d7→d5
  3. 2.exd5White: Pawn e4→d5 (capture)
  4. 2…Qxd5Black: Queen d8→d5 (capture)
  5. 3.Nc3White: Knight b1→c3
  6. 3…Qa5Black: Queen d5→a5

Nearby lines

first 3 moves shared

Scandinavian Defence, Modern Variation…Nf6Scandinavian Defencee4 d5King's Pawn Openinge4Open Game…e5Sicilian Defence…c5French Defence…e6

Common questions

Q. What are the moves of Scandinavian Defence, Main Variation?

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5

Q. Which family does it belong to?

Semi-Open Game — 1.e4 met by anything other than 1…e5.

Q. Who is to move next?

After 6 moves it is White to move.