Scandinavian Defence: 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3

Scandinavian Defence: 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 c6 5.Nf3

Definition

A main-line branch of the Scandinavian (or Center-Counter) Defence in which Black’s queen, having ventured to capture on d5, retreats to a5 and is then buttressed by ...c6. The position after 5.Nf3 is often called the “Modern Scandinavian” or “Main Line with 3…Qa5 & 4…c6.” It yields a robust, Caro-Kann-flavoured pawn structure while preserving the Scandinavian’s direct central counter-thrust.

Typical Move-Order

1. 1.e4 d5 – Black immediately challenges the e-pawn.
2. 2.exd5 Qxd5 – The hallmark capture; the queen recovers the pawn.
3. 3.Nc3 Qa5 – White gains tempo, forcing the queen aside.
4. 4.d4 – White erects a broad pawn centre.
5. 4…c6 – Black protects the queen, covers b5 & d5, and prepares …Bf5 or …Bg4.
6. 5.Nf3 – White develops and eyes the weak e5 square.

Strategic Ideas

• Black
  • Use ...c6 and a Caro-Kann–style pawn chain (d5, c6, e6) to blunt White’s centre.
  • Develop harmoniously with ...Nf6, ...Bf5 (or ...Bg4), ...e6, and quick castling.
  • Keep the queen safe: after 5…Nf6 6.Bc4, Black must know the finesse 6…Bf5! avoiding tactics on f7.
• White
  • Exploit the queen’s exposed placement with tempos: Bd2, Ne4, or b4 in some lines.
  • Maintain the strong pawn duo e4–d4 and aim for a kingside initiative via Bc4 & 0-0-0.
  • Keep an eye on the d5 break; after Black’s ...c6 & ...e6, that lever is harder to achieve.

Common Continuations after 5.Nf3

• 5…Nf6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Bd2 e6 – the classical main line.
• 5…Bg4 – pinning the knight; can transpose to the above after h3.
• 5…Bf5 – developing before ...e6; championed by GM Sergei Tiviakov.
• 5…g6 – the fianchetto system, popular in rapid play.

Historical & Practical Significance

The c6 line became fashionable in the 1960s thanks to Bent Larsen and was later refined by grandmasters such as Curt Hansen and Sergey Tiviakov. Tiviakov famously claimed an unbeaten classical record of over 50 games with Black in this exact variation (40+ wins and draws combined). More recently, World Champion Magnus Carlsen added prestige to the opening, employing it against elite opposition (e.g., Carlsen–Karjakin, Norway Blitz 2018).

Illustrative Mini-Game

Below is a crisp encounter showing Black’s typical set-up in action.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• Queen trap alert: After 5…Bg4? 6.b4! Qxb4 7.Rb1, the queen can be embarrassed.
• Knight fork: In some sidelines 6.Ne5! targets f7 & c6 simultaneously.

Modern Engine Evaluation

Contemporary engines rate the position after 5.Nf3 as approximately equal (≈ 0.20 – 0.30 in pawns), confirming its soundness for both sides. At elite level it is employed mainly as a surprise weapon rather than a staple, yet in club play it remains one of Black’s most practical replies to 1.e4.

Interesting Facts

• The line is sometimes called the “Gubinsky-Melts Defence” in older Soviet literature, though that name is rarely used today.
• Because 3…Qa5 creates an early queen sortie, beginners once shunned the Scandinavian; modern theory shows that after 4…c6 the queen is quite safe.
• GM Sergei Tiviakov gave a Scandinavian Masterclass where he quipped: “If you want a lifetime opening, learn the Queen to a5, pawn to c6, bishop to f5—then enjoy!”

Learning Checklist

• Memorise the move-order up to 7.Bd2 e6 to avoid early traps.
• Understand plans: Black’s …c6–…e6 vs. White’s kingside expansion.
• Study model games by Tiviakov, Radjabov, and Carlsen for middlegame ideas.
• Practice tactical puzzles involving the a5-queen and c6-pawn patterns.