Chess Openings - The Scandinavian Defense
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1. e4 d5
Against 1. e4, black can respond with the logical counterattack 1... d5. The Scandinavian Defense, also known as the Centre Counter Defense, is very old. Recorded games date back over 500 years ago.
As in the Centre Game, the opening typically continues with a trade of centre pawns: 2. exd5 Qxd5. With the black Queen now posted in the centre, white can combine a threat with a developing move: 3. Nc3. Black must retreat his Queen, giving white the initiative. This is the significant disadvantage behind the Scandinavian. For this reason, it is not a popular master opening.
That being said, the Scandinavian is very straightforward, and therefore easy to learn and play. For that reason, it is not a bad option for novices.
How Common is the Scandinavian Defense?
Common at Novice Level
Rare at Master Level
When playing 1. e4, expect to see the Scandinavian Defense about 5% of the time. Because of the simplicity of the opening, At the Novice Level, you can expect to see the Scandinavian much more often.