Scandinavian Defense: Valencian & Ilundain Variation
Scandinavian Defense: Valencian Variation
Definition
The Valencian Variation is a branch of the Modern Scandinavian (1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6) in which Black immediately fianchettoes the king-side bishop. The most common move order is:
- e4 d5
- exd5 Nf6
- d4 g6 (Valencian move)
- c4 Bg7
- Nc3 0-0
- Nf3 e6 or …c6
The set-up (…g6/…Bg7/…0-0) was popularised in the 1980s by players from the Spanish city of Valencia—most notably FM José Luís Abreu and IM Antonio García Palermo—hence the geographical nickname. ECO manuals normally file it under B01 (Scandinavian) but do not give it a separate code.
Strategic Ideas
- Hyper-modern approach. Black concedes the centre for the moment and attacks it later with pieces and pawn breaks …c6 or …e6.
- Flexible king safety. By castling early and keeping the queen off the exposed d-file, Black avoids the traditional Scandinavian problem of the queen being chased.
- Dynamic piece play. The fianchettoed bishop eyes the central dark squares (d4, e5) and can become very powerful once the centre opens.
Typical Middlegame Plans
- For Black: strike with …c6 or …e6, trade the d-pawn, and place knights on c6 and d7 to pressure e5 and c4.
- For White: build a broad centre with c4-d4-e4, then push d5 or e5 before Black finishes development.
Example Game
García Palermo vs. Korneev, Spanish Team Ch. 1995
Historical & Anecdotal Notes
- The set-up first appeared in the Spanish magazine Ajedrez Valenciano in 1979, where it was dubbed “La Variante Valenciana”.
- It appealed to practical players because it avoids the heavy theory of the Main-Line Scandinavian (…Qxd5 …Qa5) yet retains Scandinavian spirit.
- GM Sergei Tiviakov, a long-time Scandinavian devotee, has used the line as a surprise weapon in rapid events.
When to Use It
Ideal for players who like the Modern Defence or Pirc but also want an independent response to 1.e4. It is particularly effective in rapid and blitz where the unfamiliar move 3…g6 can push White out of book quickly.
Ilundain Variation
Definition
The Ilundain Variation is an ultra-sharp offshoot of the Portuguese Gambit in the Scandinavian. The critical tabiya arises after:
- e4 d5
- exd5 Nf6
- d4 Bg4 (Portuguese Gambit)
- f3 Bf5
- g4 Bg6
- h4 h5 (Ilundain move)
By answering White’s h-pawn thrust with …h5, Black (following Spanish master FM Fernando Ilundain, who introduced the idea in 1974) sacrifices additional material to expose the white king and keep the g-file blocked. The line usually continues 7.c4 e6 8.dxe6 Nc6!, leading to wild, unbalanced play.
Strategic Themes
- King safety vs. material. Black often gives up one or two pawns but wins time, piece activity and attacking chances on the light squares.
- Frozen pawn chain. The mutual pawn pushes (g- and h-pawns) lock the flank, forcing the battle into the centre and on the diagonals a7-g1 and b8-h2.
- Piece play over structure. Knights typically jump to d5 and f4; the dark-squared bishop can come to b4+ or c5 targeting the f2-square.
Illustrative Miniature
Ilundain – J. Bellón, Spanish Championship (rapid) 1981
Historical Tidbits
- Fernando Ilundain used the line to upset several higher-rated opponents in Spanish club play, earning the variation his name.
- The first appearance in international databases is the game Ilundain–Hortal, Palma 1974, where Black’s 6…h5 shocked commentators.
- In 2009 GM Tiger Hillarp-Persson revived the gambit in internet blitz, scoring 16-4 with it in a single evening session.
Practical Advice
The Ilundain Variation is recommended only for players who relish double-edged positions and are comfortable playing for the initiative a pawn down. In correspondence or engine-assisted formats the line may not stand up to perfect defence, but in OTB time-scrambles it is a potent shock weapon.