Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3 Nf6
Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3 Nf6
Definition
The line arises from the Scandinavian (Center-Counter) Defence after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nf3 Nf6. Black immediately recaptures on d5 with the queen, allows White’s knight to hit the queen, and calmly defends it with 3…Nf6 rather than retreating it to a5 or d6. It is sometimes called the “Classical” or “Main-line Nf6” Scandinavian.
Basic Move-Order
- 1. e4 d5 – Black contests the centre on move one.
- 2. exd5 Qxd5 – Black recaptures immediately with the queen.
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 – White develops with tempo; Black parries the attack and develops a knight.
Strategic Ideas
By not wasting a tempo on a queen retreat, Black hopes to finish development quickly, often aiming for …c6, …Bf5/…Bg4, …e6 and long castling. White usually replies with 4.d4, 5.c4 and Nc3, building a broad pawn centre and chasing the queen only when it becomes tactically awkward for Black to keep it on d5.
- Pros for Black
- Fast piece development – both knights are out by move three.
- The queen remains reasonably central and can support …e5 breaks.
- Avoids heavily analysed 3…Qa5 main lines that some players dislike.
- Cons for Black
- The queen stays in the centre and can be harassed by tempo-gaining moves (Nc3, c4).
- After 4.d4, White enjoys a spatial advantage and a half-open e-file.
Typical Continuations
- 4.d4 Bg4 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Nc6 (solid, preparing …O-O-O).
- 4.d4 c5 5.Nc3 Qd8 (queen finally retreats; Black heads for an IQP structure).
- 4.d4 e6 5.c4 Bb4+ 6.Nc3 (transposes to a French-Tarrasch-like setup).
Historical Notes
Although the Scandinavian has roots in the 16th century (Lucena), the Nf6 system surged in modern times thanks to Dutch GM Sergey Tiviakov, who famously scored +14 =16 -0 with it between 1994 and 2005. World Champion Magnus Carlsen has also wheeled it out as a surprise weapon in rapid and blitz play, adding considerable prestige to the line.
Illustrative Mini-Game
A concise example of Black’s ideas:
Black never bothered to retreat the queen to a safe square; instead the initiative and active piece play compensated for the apparent exposure.
Famous Encounters
- Tiviakov – Fridman, Bundesliga 2002 (Tiviakov’s trademark win with …c6 and …Nbd7, culminating in a kingside attack).
- Carlsen – Karjakin, Norway Blitz 2019 (Carlsen used the line to neutralise Karjakin’s 1.e4 in only 22 moves).
Practical Tips
- Black players should memorise tactical tricks on d5 (e.g., Nc3 Bb4 pins).
- White can choose between a quiet set-up with Be2 & c4 or sharper 4.d4, 5.Nc3 and 6.Bc4 directly challenging the queen.
- In many branches Black voluntarily returns the queen to d8 after gaining small developing concessions.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- GM Sergey Tiviakov once joked that the line is so good he would be happy to face 1.e4 every game, “as long as they take on d5 and let me play 3…Nf6.”
- The move 3…Nf6 was initially criticised by 19th-century analysts, who considered the queen exposed; computer engines now show it to be fully sound.
- Because the queen sometimes wanders to h5 after 4.d4 Bg4, some club players refer to the position as the “Scandi with the Queen on h5.”
Conclusion
The Scandinavian 3…Nf6 line is a flexible, modern answer to 1.e4 that avoids heavy theory yet remains strategically rich. It appeals to players who enjoy piece activity, balanced risk, and being slightly off the beaten theoretical track.