Scandinavian Defense: Mieses Kotrc Gubinsky Melts Bronstein
Scandinavian Defense
Definition
The Scandinavian Defense (ECO codes B01–B02) is the chess opening that begins 1. e4 d5. Black immediately challenges White’s e-pawn rather than building up with …e5 or …c5. Because Black captures toward the center after 2.exd5, the opening is sometimes called the Center-Counter Defense.
Typical Move Orders
- 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 — “classical” Scandinavian
- 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 — the 2…Nf6 systems (often called the Bronstein-Larsen line)
Strategic Themes
- Early queen activity: After 2…Qxd5 the queen is exposed and often has to move again, but she also exerts immediate central pressure.
- Sound pawn structure: Black usually reaches a Caro-Kann–style pawn chain (…c6 & …e6) that is solid but slightly passive.
- Development race: Because Black spends tempi with the queen, rapid development (…Nf6, …c6, …Bf5 or …Bg4) is essential to avoid falling behind.
Historical Notes
The first printed reference appears in Lucena’s 1497 manuscript. Danish and Swedish masters such as Ludvig Collijn popularised it in the 19th century—hence the name “Scandinavian.” In the 20th century Bent Larsen, Curt Hansen, and later Magnus Carlsen employed it successfully at top level, rehabilitating the opening’s reputation.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The game fragment above (a typical Classical Scandinavian with 3…Qa5) shows both sides completing development while Black’s queen remains semi-active on a5.
Mieses-Kotrč Variation
Definition
The Mieses-Kotrč Variation of the Scandinavian arises after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd8. Instead of retreating to the more popular a5 or d6 squares, Black’s queen returns all the way home.
Key Ideas
- Black avoids further queen harassment and prepares a Caro-Kann set-up (…c6, …Nf6, …Bf5).
- The loss of time is compensated by an unassailable queen and a rock-solid structure.
- White enjoys a small but stable lead in development and often chooses an aggressive set-up with Bc4, Qe2, and 0-0-0.
Historical Background
German GM Jacques Mieses and Czech master Oldřich Kotrč both explored the line in the late 19th century, publishing analyses that demonstrated its viability when most analysts dismissed 3…Qd8 as too passive. Their names are now hyphenated in modern opening manuals.
Typical Continuations
- 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 (hyper-solid “fianchetto” set-up)
- 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.Bc4 Bf5 — a Caro-Kann-like structure
Sample Game
White’s early sacrifice in Hennings-Mieses, Leipzig 1894, shows the tactical possibilities created by White’s lead in development.
Gubinsky-Melts Variation
Definition
The Gubinsky-Melts Variation occurs after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qd6. By placing the queen on d6, Black keeps her centralized and supports …e5 or …Bf5 without blocking the dark-square bishop.
Strategic Points
- Flexible pawn breaks: Black can choose …c6 & …e5 or a quick …e6 & …Nf6.
- The queen on d6 discourages White’s usual Ng1–f3–e5 jump and indirectly eyes h2.
- The downside is that the queen can become a tactical target after Nb5 or Ne4.
Origins and Naming
The line is credited to the Soviet-era analysts Isaac Gubinsky and Boris Melts, who published detailed articles in Shakhmaty v SSSR during the 1950s. Their work rehabilitated what had been considered an eccentric retreat.
Popular Modern Line
- 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 g6 6.g3 Bg7 7.Bg2 0-0 8.0-0 c6 — Black reaches a King’s-Indian-flavoured set-up.
Example Encounter
Carlsen-Tari, Norwegian League 2020, showcases the queen’s flexibility: after being lured to d8, it later re-centers while Black maintains a sturdy structure.
Bronstein Variation (2…Nf6 Systems)
Definition
The Bronstein Variation of the Scandinavian begins 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6!?. Instead of recapturing immediately, Black develops a knight, offering a temporary pawn sacrifice to accelerate piece activity.
Main Ideas
- If 3.c4 (protecting the extra pawn) …c6! undermines White’s center.
- If 3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6, Black has recovered the pawn with a healthy structure.
- Early queen involvement is delayed; the recapture with the knight often leads to a smoother development.
Why “Bronstein”?
Legendary Soviet GM David Bronstein employed and analysed 2…Nf6 extensively in the 1950s, most famously in his Candidates-cycle games. His notebooks—later revealed by his widow—contain dozens of unpublished novelties in this line.
Critical Continuations
- 3.d4 (most common) Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 ⇒ IQP positions where both sides castle kingside.
- 3.Nf3 (quieter) Qxd5 4.Nc3 Qa5 — transposes to the Classical Scandinavian but with colours reversed tempi.
- 3.c4 c6 4.dxc6 Nxc6 5.Nf3 e5 — Black seizes central space, seen in Bronstein-Lein, Moscow 1970.
Illustrative Classic
This position, from Bronstein – Ivkov, Sarajevo 1962, illustrates Black’s harmonious development and kingside fianchetto while White eyes central expansion with d5.
Fun Fact
In 2005, GM Vadim Zvjaginsev surprised Viswanathan Anand with 1.e4 c5 2.Na3!? in a rapid game. Bronstein had predicted such “knight corner” ideas in his notes to the 2…Nf6 Scandinavian back in 1968, decades before computers made them fashionable.