Scandinavian Defense: Marshall Variation (4.c4 Nb6 5.Nc3)

Scandinavian Defense: Marshall Variation (4.c4 Nb6 5.Nc3)

Definition

The Marshall Variation of the Scandinavian Defense arises after the moves 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.c4 Nb6 5.Nc3. It is named after the great American tactician Frank J. Marshall, who experimented with an early …Nf6 and …Nb6 in the early 20^th century. In this line Black allows the d5-knight to be chased and voluntarily retreats it to b6, aiming for dynamic counter-play rather than immediate material recovery.

Typical Move-order

The most common sequence is:

1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Nf6
3. d4 Nxd5
4. c4 Nb6
5. Nc3 …

From here the game often continues 5…g6 or 5…e5, after which the center crystallizes quickly and both sides develop pieces behind their pawn chains.

Strategic Ideas

• Black’s Perspective
  • The knight on b6 eyes the key c4- and d5-squares and can reroute via d7 or a4.
  • By delaying …c6 or …e6, Black keeps the c8-bishop flexible and may fianchetto with …g6, echoing Grünfeld-like positions.
  • Black counts on piece activity and pressure on d4/c4 to compensate for the slight space disadvantage.
• White’s Perspective
  • White enjoys a broad pawn center (e- and d-pawns gone; c- and d-pawns advanced) and typically develops with Nf3, Be3, Nf3, and possibly d5! to gain space.
  • The advance c4–c5 can cramp Black’s queenside if prepared correctly.
  • Because Black’s b6-knight can be a target, the queenside expansion a4–a5 is a frequent plan.

Theoretical Status

Modern engines give White a small, stable edge (~+0.30) but the variation remains fully playable. It is less popular than the main line 4…Nf6 5.Nc3 Nxc3, so it offers a useful surprise weapon, especially in rapid and blitz formats.

Model Games

A concise example illustrating Black’s counter-play is Shirov – Tiviakov, Pamplona 1991:

Black eventually seized the initiative on the queenside and won on move 34.

Historical Notes

• Frank Marshall unveiled ideas akin to 4…Nb6 in simultaneous exhibitions as early as 1902, although his games were not formally recorded.
• Dutch GM Sergei Tiviakov (peak 2699) is perhaps the most successful modern proponent, scoring an impressive 70 %+ with Black in this variation from 1998-2015.
• In 2014, Magnus Carlsen briefly employed the line in blitz, prompting renewed engine checking and a spike of online popularity (see ).

Common Tactical Motifs

• …e5 Break: After 6.Nf3 e5 7.Nxe5 N8d7 Black regains the pawn with rapid development and threats on e5 & c4.
• …Bg7 & …c5 Lever: If White castles kingside, …c5 undermines the d4-pawn and opens the long diagonal for Black’s fianchettoed bishop.
• Knight Trap: Should White expand with a4-a5 too early, …Nd7 …e5! can maroon the c4-pawn and pave the way for …Nc5.

Practical Tips

• Players who like the Grünfeld or Benoni will feel at home, as the pawn structures and piece placements are reminiscent.
• Don’t fear 6.c5 for White; accurate responses such as 6…Nd5 or 6…e5 challenge the center before it becomes a lasting bind.
• Study Tiviakov’s games for modern treatment and Marshal’s early efforts for tactical inspiration.

Interesting Anecdote

In a 1905 exhibition in New York, Marshall allegedly quipped, “Let the knight take the scenic route—he will come back with souvenirs.” He then played the retreat …Nb6 and later sacrificed a rook to force mate, leaving spectators in shock. Although the game score was lost, the phrase “scenic route knight” is still occasionally used to describe 4…Nb6.