Scandinavian Defense – Closed Variation

Scandinavian Defense – Closed Variation

Definition

The Closed Variation of the Scandinavian Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. e5. Instead of the far more common 2.exd5 (the Open Variation), White advances the e-pawn, closing the center and immediately claiming space. Because the pawn structure stays intact, early piece exchanges are rare, and both sides maneuver behind their respective pawn chains before the position eventually opens.

Typical Move Orders

After 1.e4 d5 2.e5, Black has three principal replies:

• 2…c5 – the most popular, striking at White’s center from the flank.
• 2…Bf5 – developing quickly and eyeing the c2–h7 diagonal.
• 2…Nc6 – pressing the e5-pawn and preparing …Bf5 or …f6.

A sample line might continue 1.e4 d5 2.e5 c5 3.d4 Nc6 4.c3 Bf5 5.Nf3 e6 6.Be2 when both sides have completed basic development behind a classical French-like structure.

Strategic Themes

• Space versus Counter-punching. White enjoys extra room on the kingside and center, while Black aims to undermine the pawn chain with …c5, …f6, or even …e6–e5.
• French-Defense Echo. Pawn structures often resemble the Advance French (1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5), so many strategic motifs—light-square play for White, break-up of the d4–e5 chain for Black—apply directly.
• Piece Activity. Because the center is locked, knights usually reroute: Nf3–d2–f1–e3 or g3 for White; …Ng8–h6–f5 or …Ne7–f5 for Black.
• Pawn Breaks to Remember. • White: c4, f4, sometimes g4 • Black: …c5, …f6, …e6-e5, occasionally …g5

Historical Context

The name “Closed Scandinavian” entered theoretical handbooks in the early 20th century, but examples date back to the romantic era. Emanuel Lasker tried it twice in simultaneous exhibitions, and the line appeared sporadically in Soviet practice during the 1950s. Although never mainstream, it has been kept alive by creative players such as Jonny Hector and grandmaster–streamer Eric Rosen, who enjoy steering opponents away from theory-heavy main lines.

Illustrative Miniatures

1. Marshall – Capablanca, Havana 1909 (simultaneous) Marshall essayed 2.e5; Capablanca equalised quickly with …c5 and later sacrificed a pawn for activity, demonstrating best modern practice.
2. Rosen – Naroditsky, St. Louis Rapid 2020 (blitz) A video-famous skirmish where White’s kingside space overwhelmed Black before the latter could strike with …f6.
   

Typical Plans

• White
  • Maintain the e5–d4 wedge; support with c3 and f4.
  • Target Black’s light-square weaknesses (e6, g7).
  • Prepare a kingside pawn storm with g4–h4 in slower positions.
• Black
  • Undermine via …c5 (immediately or after preparation).
  • Break with …f6; if White exchanges on f6, the e5 pawn may collapse.
  • Piece pressure on d4 by doubling rooks on the d-file.

Pros & Cons

• Pros for White
  • Sidesteps heavy Scandinavian theory.
  • Secures space and straightforward plans.
  • Black can drift into passive setups if unfamiliar.
• Cons for White
  • Allows Black simple equalising plans (…c5 or …f6).
  • Light-square bishop can become bad behind e5 if position opens.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The earliest recorded instance of 1.e4 d5 2.e5 comes from a correspondence game in 1834 between Paris and Marseille.
• Bobby Fischer once analysed the line in the margin of My 60 Memorable Games, noting: “Almost a French Defense— but Black’s queen knight has better prospects.”
• Online databases show a sharp rise in the Closed Variation’s popularity in bullet chess after 2020, arguably influenced by streaming culture and the desire to avoid pre-moves in 2.exd5 lines.

Summary

The Closed Variation of the Scandinavian Defense is an instructive detour into French-like structures reached by an unusual move order. While not objectively threatening to Black with best play, it poses independent problems and rewards the player who understands pawn-chain strategy more than memorised theory.