Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5, Main Line, 6.Bc4 Bf5

Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5

Definition

The move 2…Qxd5 occurs in the Scandinavian (or Center-Counter) Defence and arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5. Black immediately recaptures the pawn on d5 with the queen, accepting a small loss of time in exchange for simple, reliable development and an open game.

How It Is Used

Black eliminates White’s central pawn at once, avoiding the need to recapture later with a knight.
The queen often withdraws after White gains tempo with 3. Nc3, usually to a5 or d6. Both retreats define distinct branches of the Scandinavian.
Players who like clear plans and who are comfortable defending a slightly exposed queen frequently choose 2…Qxd5.

Strategic Significance

Tactical alertness: Because the queen is out early, both sides must watch for forks, pins, and discovered attacks.
Open lines: The early exchange on d5 frees Black’s light-squared bishop and reduces central tension.
Time vs. Structure: Black concedes a tempo but obtains a sound pawn structure and straightforward piece placement.

Historical Notes

The Scandinavian is one of the oldest recorded openings—Gioachino Greco analyzed it in the 17th century. The queen-recapture line grew fashionable in the late 20th century thanks to grandmasters like John Nunn and Sergey Tiviakov, the latter famously scoring a long unbeaten streak with it.

Example Game

Tiviakov – Shabalov, Groningen 1997

Interesting Facts

Grandmaster Ian Rogers once joked that “2…Qxd5 is the only opening where Black can play queen moves on three consecutive turns and still be completely sound.”
In computer chess, engines rate 2…Qxd5 only a shade below the most theoretical defences to 1.e4, making it a practical choice at every level.

Main Line (Opening Theory)

Definition

In chess literature the term Main Line refers to the most widely accepted or theoretically critical sequence of moves in a given opening. These moves are considered the benchmark against which alternative variations (sidelines or sub-lines) are compared.

Usage in Chess Discourse

Authors often write “In the main line...” to indicate they are discussing the principal continuation.
Databases usually list the main line first, followed by branching alternatives.
Players preparing for serious competition prioritize understanding the main lines of their openings before exploring sidelines.

Strategic and Practical Importance

Studying main lines helps players grasp:

Typical pawn structures and resulting middlegame plans.
The most precise tactical sequences as tested by top grandmasters.
The evaluation baseline—knowing whether a position is += (slight advantage for White) or = (equality).

Historical Perspective

What counts as a main line can change. For example, the Najdorf Sicilian’s main line in the 1960s featured 6. Bg5, while modern theory often centers on 6. Be3 or 6. Bc4. Shifts occur when novelties, engine discoveries, or fashion alter grandmaster preferences.

Examples

Ruy López Main Line: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3.
Scandinavian Main Line: After 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3, the retreat 3…Qa5 (rather than 3…Qd6 or 3…Qd8) is considered the main line.

Interesting Anecdote

In pre-engine days, many main lines were accepted on trust. When computers arrived, analysts discovered hidden tactical resources in once-“refuted” sidelines, causing well-trodden main lines to be questioned or even abandoned overnight.

6.Bc4 Bf5 (Scandinavian Defence)

Definition

The move sequence 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Bc4 Bf5 is a critical tabiya in the 3…Qa5 Scandinavian. White places the bishop on the aggressive c4-square, eyeing f7, while Black responds with 6…Bf5, developing the queen’s bishop to a natural diagonal and bolstering control of e4.

Thematic Ideas

For White: Rapid development, pressure on f7 and d5, and possibility of queenside castling after Bd2 and 0-0-0.
For Black: Solid pawn chain (c6-d5), harmonious piece placement, and readiness to meet Ng5 ideas with e6 or e5.

Typical Continuations

7. Bd2 e6 8. Qe2 Bb4 9. 0-0-0 Nbd7 – Black completes development.
7. Ne5 e6 8. g4!? Bg6 9. h4 – A sharp modern try championed by young attacking players.

Historical Significance

The 6…Bf5 system was popularized in the 1990s by grandmasters such as Curt Hansen and Sergei Tiviakov, who demonstrated its resilience against heavy theoretical fire. It remains one of Black’s most reputable responses to 6.Bc4.

Illustrative Miniature

Kobalia – Tiviakov, Wijk aan Zee 2001

Practical Tips

After 6…Bf5, Black should watch for White’s Ng5 tactics; …e6 is a typical antidote.
White players aiming for an attack often delay castling, using the rook on h1 for a pawn storm (g4-h4-h5).

Fun Fact

In several correspondence games, engines recommended the audacious pawn sacrifice 7.g4!? for White, leading to highly unbalanced positions that are still being analyzed today—proof that even “solid” Scandinavian structures can become razor-sharp.