Scandinavian Defense Closed: Definition & Overview
Scandinavian Defense – Closed Variation
Definition
The Closed Scandinavian (ECO B01) arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. e5. Instead of exchanging pawns with 2.exd5, White advances the e-pawn, locking the center and preventing Black’s queen from coming to d5. Although it keeps the same ECO code as other Scandinavian lines, the pawn structure, plans, and even the piece development often resemble the Advance Variation of the French Defense—only with colors reversed and the c-pawn still on c7.
Typical Move Order
1. e4 d5 2. e5 c5 (most common) 2... Bf5 (an immediate bishop development is also playable) 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Bd7
Black tries to undermine the advanced e-pawn with …c5, …Nc6, and sometimes …f6, while White gains space and looks for kingside play.
Strategic Themes
- Space vs. Counter-punching: White’s pawn on e5 cramps Black’s minor pieces, but Black hopes to prove that the pawn is over-extended by attacking it later.
- French-like Structures: After …c5 and …e6, the game can mirror a French Defense with colors reversed, so ideas like c3–d4 for White or a break with …f6 for Black are thematic.
- Piece Activity: Black’s light-squared bishop often comes to f5 or g4 before playing …e6 to stay active; otherwise it risks being shut in behind its own pawns.
- Pawn Breaks:
- For White: c4, d4, or f4 depending on setup.
- For Black: …c5 (already played), …f6, and sometimes …g5 followed by …g4 to eject an f3-knight.
Historical Context
The idea of 2.e5 dates back to the 19th century, when players such as Louis Paulsen experimented with it to avoid early queen exchanges. In modern times the variation remains an occasional surprise weapon. Grandmasters like Baadur Jobava and David Navara have essayed it in rapid and blitz events, but it is rare in classical elite play because Black is believed to equalize with accurate play.
Illustrative Mini-Game
In this 18-move sample line:
- White castles quickly and prepares the pawn break c3–d4.
- Black keeps the center closed until the moment is ripe for …f6 or …g5.
Notable Game
Shirov vs. Azmaiparashvili, Sarajevo 2000 (Rapid)
1. e4 d5 2. e5 c5 3. f4 Nc6 4. Nf3 Bg4 5. Be2 e6 6. 0-0 Nh6 7. d3 Be7 8. c3 0-0 9. Na3 a6 10. Nc2
Shirov’s creative pawn storm with f4–f5 later on yielded a sharp kingside attack, illustrating White’s space advantage and chances for a direct assault.
Practical Usage
- Surprise Weapon: Club and online players rarely study this line deeply; 2.e5 can therefore steer the game into unfamiliar territory.
- Repertoire Fit: Suits players who like closed structures and long-term plans rather than immediate tactical skirmishes.
- Transpositional Flexibility: Depending on when Black plays …e6, the game can transpose into a reversed French Advance or even resemble a Caro-Kann structure after …c6.
Typical Evaluation
Most engines give the position after 1.e4 d5 2.e5 a small edge to White (≈ +0.30) owing to space, but theory says Black has comfortable equality with timely breaks. The line is considered objectively sound but not threatening enough to be a mainstay at the highest level.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The earliest printed reference to 2.e5 against the Scandinavian appears in Staunton’s “Chess Player’s Handbook” (1847).
- In online bullet chess, Magnus Carlsen once played 1.e4 d5 2.e5 *and* followed up with a Greek Gift sacrifice—demonstrating its attacking potential when Black is careless.
- The Closed Scandinavian is sometimes humorously dubbed the “Anti-Queen Scandinavian” because it denies Black the customary early queen sortie to d5 or a5.