Scandinavian Defense: 2.e5

Definition

The move 2.e5 in the Scandinavian Defense arises after the sequence 1.e4 d5 2.e5. Instead of capturing Black’s d-pawn with 2.exd5 (the most popular continuation), White chooses to advance the e-pawn, gaining space in the center and immediately questioning the position of Black’s d-pawn. This line is variously called the “Advance Variation,” “Panov Push,” or simply “2.e5 Scandinavian.”

Typical Move Order & Position

Main line moves often continue:

e4 d5
e5 c5 (or …Bf5 / …Nc6)
c3 (reinforcing the d4 square) …Nc6
d4 Qb6 (pressuring d4 & b2) etc.

In the initial position after 2.e5, White’s pawn chain (e5–e4) cramps Black’s kingside pieces while Black’s advanced d-pawn can become both a strength (space & piece activity) and a future target.

Strategic Themes

Space vs. Time: 2.e5 seizes space, but declines immediate material gain. Black usually accepts the “lost” pawn time to accelerate development.
Targeting the d-pawn: White will often prepare c4 or c3–d4 to undermine the pawn on d5.
Piece Placement:
- White knights frequently appear on f3 and c3/d2 to control the center squares c4 & e4.
- Black’s light-squared bishop commonly comes to f5 or g4 to put pressure on e4.
Endgame Prospects: Should the center eventually liquidate, White’s spatial edge can translate into a healthier minor-piece ending.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

Although the Scandinavian Defense dates back to the 15^th century (the game Lucena – Anon., 1497 already shows 1.e4 d5), the push 2.e5 remained a sideline until the late 20^th century. Computer engines have recently revived interest because the move limits early queen excursions—one of Black's usual incentives for playing the Scandinavian.

Grandmasters such as Sergei Tiviakov and David Navara have tested 2.e5 from the White side, while rapid and blitz specialists favor it for surprise value.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short encounter features typical ideas: space gain, pressure on d5, and an eventual breakthrough on the kingside.

[[Pgn| e4|d5|e5|c5|Nf3|Nc6|Bb5|Bd7|Bxc6|Bxc6|e6|fxe6|d4|Nf6|O-O|e6|Re1|Qd7|dxc5|Bxc5|Ng5|O-O-O|Nxe6|Qxe6|Rxe6|d4| fen|r2kr3/pp1q1ppp/2bpn3/2b3N1/3pP3/5N2/PP3PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 17 ]]

Practical Tips for Players

Be prepared for structural transpositions: 2.e5 can drift into French-like or Caro-Kann Advance structures depending on Black’s setup.
Watch the clock: The line’s subtleties demand accurate move order knowledge; in rapid games, familiarity often trumps engine evaluation.
For Black: Consider immediate counterplay with …c5 and quick queenside development (…Nc6, …Bf5) before castling.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

In a 2018 Titled Tuesday event on Chess.com, GM Hikaru Nakamura used 2.e5 to score a 20-move miniature, joking on stream, “Two pawns in the center are worth a queen on a5!”
Because it avoids early queen trades, some club players have nicknamed 2.e5 the "Queen-less Scandinavian." Ironically, many later middlegames feature both queens due to the locked center.
Engine assessments hover around +0.20 to +0.40 for White at depth 40—a healthy, yet modest edge, emphasizing that the line is more about playability than theoretical refutation.