Scandinavian Defence: Marshall Variation, 4.c4 Nb6
Scandinavian Defence – Marshall Variation (4.c4 Nb6)
Definition
The Marshall Variation of the Scandinavian Defence arises after the moves 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Nxd5 4. c4 Nb6. It is named after the American grandmaster Frank J. Marshall, who popularised the early …Nf6 idea in the Scandinavian at the beginning of the 20th century. In this line Black immediately strikes at the e4-pawn (via 2…Nf6) and, after recapturing on d5 with the knight, steps back to Nb6 when White challenges the centre with 4.c4.
Typical Move Order
The most common sequence is:
- 1. e4 d5
- 2. exd5 Nf6 – the “Marshall” treatment; 2…Qxd5 is the classical line.
- 3. d4 Nxd5
- 4. c4 Nb6 – the defining position of the variation.
Strategic Ideas
- For White
- Clamp down on the centre with c4–d4–e4 and gain space.
- Develop rapidly with Nc3, Nf3, Be3/Bd3, 0-0-0, sometimes anticipating a kingside pawn storm.
- Exploit the knight on b6 by preparing c5 to gain further space or provoke weaknesses in Black’s queenside.
- For Black
- Counter in the centre with …e5 or …c5 once development is complete.
- Fianchetto the dark-squared bishop with …g6, Bg7, building pressure on d4.
- Target the advanced c- and d-pawns through piece pressure and timely pawn breaks.
Plans and Typical Structures
After 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.Nf3 0-0, play often transposes into setups reminiscent of the King’s Indian Defence but with colours reversed. Black’s knight on b6 keeps an eye on the c4-pawn and may reroute via a4-c5 or d7-f6 later. White, meanwhile, chooses between quiet development (Be2, 0-0) and a more aggressive “Yugoslav-style” attack with h4-h5 if Black castles kingside.
Illustrative Game
Frank Marshall’s own victory with the line shows the fighting spirit associated with his name:
(Marshall – Spielmann, Munich 1901; truncated for space.) The game highlights the dynamic potential both sides enjoy: early central tension, long-term queenside imbalances, and tactical opportunities on an open board.
Historical Significance
- The line first appeared in Marshall’s praxis around 1901 and quickly became his weapon of choice whenever he faced 1.e4.
- It offered Black a fresh alternative to 2…Qxd5, avoiding early queen development and encouraging fighting play.
- Modern grandmasters such as Sergei Tiviakov, Pentala Harikrishna and Alexei Shirov have kept the variation alive in contemporary practice.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Frank Marshall reputedly remarked that the retreat 4…Nb6 “looks like a coward’s move, but the knight has ideas of his own.”
- The 4.c4 line can transpose into the Panov–Botvinnik Attack of the Caro-Kann after the further moves …c5 and …cxd4.
- In blitz and rapid, Black sometimes gambits a pawn with 5…e5!? leading to razor-sharp positions and high tactical content.
- The variation enjoys a healthy practical record; databases show Black scoring close to 50 % in master-level games – impressive for a defence two moves down in development.
Practical Tips
- White players: prefer 5.Nc3 over 5.Nf3 if you want to keep extra central space and flexible castling options.
- Black players: study the pawn break …e5 carefully; timing is critical to avoid leaving the d-pawn weak.
- Both sides should memorise the tactical motif Nxc4 (after …e5, dxe5, Qxd1+) which frequently appears.
Further Study
Look at games by Sergei Tiviakov (as Black) and Baadur Jobava (as White) for model treatment of strategic themes. Many modern repertoires include the Marshall Variation as a surprise weapon because the bishop fianchetto lines can transpose to familiar structures for King’s Indian or Grünfeld players.