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Scandinavian Defense: The Ultimate Guide

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6 min read

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Last updated: Oct 18, 2025

Two Viking-themed cartoon characters playing chess indoors, symbolizing strategic thinking in the Scandinavian Defense opening

The Scandinavian Defense, or Center‑Counter Defense, is one of the orthodox and most direct chess openings ever used. The move starts with the pawn moving to e4 position, if playing with white, and then the black piece moves to d5. This is the first basic move of the Scandinavian defense.

After that, the player looks for which Scandinavian defense variation to choose, as this can alter the flow of the match, as the chess opening should be solid.

FAQ

  • No, it is not very simple because you need to memorize the variations and the play to use the Scandinavian Defense.

  • As White, you should quickly play the piece on d5 (2.exd5), get your knight to c3 in a hurry, and use moves like d4 and Nf3 to drive Black's queen away and to dominate the center.

  • Black aims to attack White's center early, with rapid development of pieces, and join in early exchanges of pawns, such as .c5 or .e5, to equalize or gain chances to counterattack.

  • Much less popular with super grandmasters than the likes of the Sicilian or Ruy Lopez, it's fine to use, though. Magnus Carlsen and Sergey Tiviakov have used it with success.
     

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