Scandinavian Defense: Main Line
ECO B01 · Scandinavian Defense · tactical · beginner
The Scandinavian Defense: Main Line (B01) is a tactical chess opening in the Scandinavian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5. Queen takes d5. The classical approach. Recommended for beginner players.
Moves: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5
About this opening
The Main Line (2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5) is the backbone of the Scandinavian: the queen reroutes to a5, out of harm's way, while Black develops ...c6, ...Nf6, ...Bf5 or ...Bg4 and ...e6 in a sound, easy-to-play structure. The plan is clear and the theory limited, which makes it a reliable, economical weapon to meet 1.e4 without excessive memorization.