Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3

Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3

Definition

The phrase “Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3” refers to a key position in the Scandinavian (or Center-Counter) Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nf3. White’s third move, Nf3, attacks the queen on d5 while finishing kingside development. It is the single most popular reply to 2…Qxd5 and serves as a gateway to several distinct Scandinavian sub-variations.

How the Position Is Reached

The basic move order is:

1. e4  d5
2. exd5  Qxd5
3. Nf3 (diagram)

The third move forces the black queen to decide where to go. The most common replies are 3…Qa5 (Main Line), 3…Qd6 (Gubinsky-Melts), 3…Qd8 (Classical Retreat), and less frequently 3…e5 or 3…Bg4.

Strategic Ideas

• Tempo Gain: By hitting the queen, White gains time for quick development. If Black misplaces the queen, White can build a lead in piece activity and central control.
• Flexible Development: Nf3 supports an eventual d4, bolsters e5 squares, and prepares short castling. White does not commit the queen’s bishop yet, keeping options open.
• Black’s Queen Placement: Black must relocate the queen to a square that balances safety and influence over the center. Each retreat carries unique pros and cons:
  • 3…Qa5: Pressures the a2-g8 diagonal and pins the c3-knight later. Most reputable line, but queen may become a target.
  • 3…Qd6: Keeps an eye on d4 and h2, aims for quick …e5, but can obstruct Black’s light-square bishop.
  • 3…Qd8: “Develop queen, undevelop queen.” Safest square but concedes two tempi; Black relies on solid pawn structure.
• Pawns & Center: After 3…Qa5 4.d4, the position often resembles a French Defense with colors reversed, except Black’s queen is oddly placed.

Historical Perspective

The Scandinavian is one of the oldest recorded openings; it appeared in the 1475 manuscript of Lucena. The modern revival came in the late 20th century when grandmasters like Bent Larsen, Anatoly Karpov (in rapid play), and later Magnus Carlsen experimented with it. The line 3.Nf3 has been the workhorse response since the 19th century because it eliminates Black’s only piece and hurried queen development simultaneously.

Typical Plans

• For White
  • Rapid development: Bc4, d4, 0-0, Re1.
  • Expanding in the center with c4 or d4-d5 if feasible.
  • Targeting the queen with tempo-gaining moves like Nc3 and Bb5.
• For Black
  • Complete development with …Nf6, …c6 (or …e6), …Bf5/Bg4.
  • Safe queen evacuation—often …Qd8 or …Qc7 in the main line.
  • Counterplay on light squares or via …e5 breaks.

Model Game

Nakamura – Carlsen, London Chess Classic 2010 featured the 3…Qa5 line. Carlsen equalized comfortably and later converted an endgame advantage, showcasing Black’s dynamic potential despite early queen activity.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Bent Larsen famously quipped, “After 1…d5 I am already playing for a win,” reflecting his confidence in the Scandinavian’s fighting spirit.
• The move 3.Nf3 is so ubiquitous that some databases list alternative third moves (such as 3.d4 or 3.c4) under “sidelines.”
• Computer engines once dismissed the Scandinavian as slightly dubious, but with precise play they now rate the 3…Qa5 and 3…Qd6 systems as fully sound—even at the top level.

Summary

“Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nf3” designates the critical mainstream position of the Scandinavian Defense. White’s 3.Nf3 attacks the over-extended queen, accelerates development, and poses Black the strategic question of where to relocate the monarch’s most valuable piece. The resulting structures are sharp yet fundamentally sound for both sides, making this position a perennial battleground in contemporary chess practice.