Scandinavian: Anderssen Counterattack, 5.dxe5

Scandinavian: Anderssen Counterattack, 5.dxe5

Definition

The term refers to a sharp branch of the Scandinavian Defence that arises after the moves:

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. dxe5

Black’s fourth-move thrust 4…e5 is known as the Anderssen Counterattack, named after the 19th-century attacking genius Adolf Anderssen. White’s most critical reply is the pawn capture 5.dxe5, which gives the variation its full ECO code (B01) description: “Scandinavian Defence, Anderssen Counterattack, 5.dxe5.”

Move-Order Overview

• 1. e4 d5 – The Scandinavian Defence.
• 2. exd5 Qxd5 – Black immediately recaptures with the queen.
• 3. Nc3 Qa5 – The main line; the queen retreats to a5, eyeing the c3-knight and a2-pawn.
• 4. d4 – White gains space and supports the e5 outpost.
• 4…e5 – The Anderssen Counterattack. Black challenges the center instead of the usual 4…Nf6.
• 5. dxe5 – White accepts the invitation, opening the position while the black queen is still exposed.

Strategic Themes

By playing 4…e5, Black tries to:

• Seize central squares quickly and avoid a passive development.
• Open lines for rapid piece activity, especially the dark-squared bishop via …Be6 or …Bb4.
• Create imbalances that take White out of mainstream Scandinavian theory.

After 5.dxe5, typical plans emerge:

1. For White:
   • Complete development with Nf3, Bc4, and castle kingside.
   • Target the queen on a5 with moves like Bd2 or Nd5–c3.
   • Exploit Black’s lagging development; the e5-pawn can become a spearhead or be exchanged for rapid mobilization.
2. For Black:
   • Regain the pawn—commonly by 5…Nc6 6.Nf3 Bb4 7.Bd2 Qxe5+.
   • Pressure the pin on the c3-knight and the semi-open e-file.
   • Rely on dynamic chances rather than structural soundness.

Critical Continuations

A main line runs:

In this position Black is temporarily a pawn down but has:

• Active pieces (both bishops are out, the queen is centralized on e5).
• Pressure on the e-file and the c3-knight.
• A potentially dangerous opposite-side castling race.

Historical Significance

Adolf Anderssen, renowned for his romantic attacking style (Immortal and Evergreen games), experimented with early …e5 ideas in Scandinavian-type structures during the mid-1800s. Although theory later judged the line objectively risky, it remains a playable surprise weapon, especially in rapid and blitz, where initiative and unfamiliarity can outweigh long-term weaknesses.

The variation was catalogued in modern opening manuals under ECO B01 only in the 20th century, but its spirit is very much 19th-century: gambit-like central tension and rapid piece play.

Model Games

• Anderssen vs. Kolisch, Paris 1867 – An early illustration where Anderssen unleashed …e5 and achieved dynamic play, though the game ended in a draw after mutual inaccuracies.
• Short vs. Rogers, Manila Interzonal 1990 – Nigel Short neutralized the counterattack with accurate development and converted the extra pawn in a technical endgame.
• Shirov vs. Svidler, Bundesliga 2004 – Demonstrates contemporary treatment; Svidler equalized comfortably, showing that precise play from Black can justify the pawn sacrifice.

Practical Tips

• For White: Do not cling to the extra pawn; prioritize development. Moves such as Nf3 and Bc4 often trump material concerns.
• For Black: Strike quickly. If you delay recapturing on e5, make sure your pieces generate threats elsewhere, otherwise the pawn deficit will tell.
• Keep an eye on queen safety. The early queen excursion can turn into a tactical liability if mishandled.

Interesting Facts

• Because 4…e5 “looks wrong” to many Scandinavian adherents accustomed to solid …Nf6 setups, it scores disproportionately well in club play—surprise value adds practical strength.
• Engines give roughly +0.70 for White after 5.dxe5, yet over-the-board results are closer to equality, underscoring the line’s psychological punch.
• In some databases the entire sequence 4…e5 5.dxe5 is mislabeled as a “gambit,” but Black often regains the pawn, so theoretical publications reserve the term counterattack to honor Anderssen’s intent.

Conclusion

The Scandinavian: Anderssen Counterattack with 5.dxe5 is an exciting, offbeat choice for Black that aims to unsettle well-prepared opponents and steer the game into tactical territory. While modern theory favors White with precise play, the variation’s rich heritage and fighting spirit keep it alive in contemporary practical chess.