Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation

Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation

Definition

The Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation is a branch of the Alekhine Defense that arises after the moves
1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5 3. d4 d6 4. c4 Nb6 5. exd6 exd6.
In this line Black voluntarily allows White to advance the e-pawn, then challenges the center with …d6 and later recaptures on d6, producing a structure that, at first glance, resembles positions from the Scandinavian Defense (1. e4 d5). That Scandinavian-like pawn structure—pawns on d6 and e6 for Black, and d4 & e5 for White—gives the variation its descriptive name inside the Alekhine system. It is catalogued under ECO code B04.

Typical Move-Order & Key Position

The critical position arises after the following forced sequence:

From here:

• White is ahead in space with pawns on c4, d4 and e5, but the e5-pawn can become a target.
• Black enjoys a healthy pawn structure and rapid development possibilities with …g6 & …Bg7 (the “Modern blend”) or …Be7/…O-O followed by …Nc6 or …Bg4.

Strategic Themes

• White’s Space Advantage. The pawns on c4, d4 and e5 cramps Black’s pieces. White often follows with Nc3, Nf3, Be2, and O-O, keeping central control and eyeing the d6-square.
• Black’s Breaks. Common counter-attacks include …dxe5 (if White allows), …c5, or …f6 to undermine e5. The semi-open e-file frequently becomes the main arena of play.
• Piece Placement. Because the light-squared bishops are outside the pawn chain (Bg4 or Bf5 for Black, Bd3/Bd3 for White), the middlegames can feature lively piece pressure rather than pawn storms.
• Endgame Prospects. If Black neutralises the space disadvantage, the symmetrical pawn structure often yields equal or better endings thanks to the latent weakness of White’s e5-pawn.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

• The variation was popularised by Scandinavian and Baltic masters in the 1920s—hence the name—at a time when the classical main line 4.Nf3 was considered the only critical test.
• Grandmasters Bent Larsen and Ulf Andersson used it regularly in the 1960–70s, showing that Black’s game is perfectly sound.
• Modern correspondence and engine research affirms that Black can reach full equality with accurate play, so the line is still seen in contemporary grandmaster practice.

Illustrative Games

1. Larsen – Andersson, Manila Interzonal 1976
   A model demonstration of Black’s …c5 break and piece activity. After 15 moves Andersson achieved complete equality and eventually outplayed White in the endgame.
2. Henley – Korchnoi, Tilburg 1981
   Korchnoi uncorked an early …Bg4 followed by …Nc6 and …dxe5, highlighting the flexibility of the Scandinavian Variation setup. The game is frequently cited in opening manuals.

Usage in Your Repertoire

For Black: Choose the Scandinavian Variation if you prefer a sound, strategic position over the sharper Four-Pawns Attack (4.c4). You will need to know:

• The timing of …c5 versus …f6.
• Petrov-style manoeuvres with …Be7, …O-O, …Re8 and …Bf8 to pressure e5.
• How to transpose into favourable endgames when the major pieces are exchanged.

For White: Exploit your space advantage before Black reorganises. Plans include:

• c4-c5 to cramp the queenside and stake a knight on d6.
• Queenside expansion with b3 & Bb2 or a4-a5, depending on piece placement.
• An early h3 & g4 to blunt …Bg4 ideas, steering the game into sharper channels.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Alexander Alekhine himself never played the “Scandinavian” branch of his own defense in serious competition. His preference was for the Exchange and Four-Pawns structures when playing Black.
• The nickname “Scandinavian Variation” reportedly came from Danish analyst Jørgen Møller, who noted that the resulting pawn skeleton is as Scandinavian as herring and long winter nights.
• Computer engines rate the critical position after 5…exd6 as ≈0.20—one of the few Alekhine lines where databases show statistical equality for Black at all time- controls .

Further Study

• Review games by Ulf Andersson (Black) for positional handling.
• Study modern correspondence encounters where White tests the early g2-g3 fianchetto systems.
• Consult the 2022 edition of The Alekhine Bible by Sielecki & Reeh, Chapters 6-7.