Opening Overview
Scandinavian Defense
45 linesAbout This Opening
Black challenges White's center immediately and accepts a queen exposure theme.
These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.
The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
- Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
- Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
- Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.
Choose a variation
Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4
Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Nxd5 4. Nf3 Bg4
Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Wing Gambit
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 g6 4. c4 b5
Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. c4 c6
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Banker Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. f3 Bf5 5. c4
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Classical Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. Nf3
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Correspondence Refutation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. f3 Bf5 5. g4
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Elbow Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. Bb5+ c6
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Jadoul Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. f3 Bf5 5. Bb5+ Nbd7 6. c4
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Lusophobe Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. Bb5+ Nbd7 5. Be2
Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit, Melbourne Shuffle Variation
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4 4. f3 Bf5 5. Bb5+ Nbd7 6. Nc3