Semi-open games

Scandinavian Defense

1.e4 d5

The Scandinavian Defense starts with 1.e4 d5 and is catalogued under ECO B01, in the semi-open games half of the book. The catalog indexes 45 lines inside it, grouped into 42 named variations, and the position after those moves has 5 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Scandinavian Defense
3 plies
Scandinavian Defense
3 plies
Zilbermints Gambit
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.e4

    Claims the center with a pawn and opens lines for the queen and king’s bishop.

    Idea: Build quick development and make early castling possible.

  2. 1…d5

    Advances to d5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

5 moves
exd5Scandinavian Defense40 named lines · Scandinavian Defense: Main Line · Scandinavian Defense: Kádas GambitCaptures the pawn on d5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.Idea: Open lines in the center and reshape the center for the next phase.Nf3Zukertort Opening: Tennison Gambit2 named lines · Zukertort Opening: Tennison Gambit, Brigg's TrapDevelops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.b3Scandinavian Defense1 named lineAdvances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.b4Scandinavian Defense: Zilbermints Gambit1 named lineAdvances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.Nc3Scandinavian Defense1 named line · Van Geet Opening: Grünfeld DefenseDevelops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Scandinavian Defense. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

18 more named lines sit inside this family — the tree above walks all of them.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Scandinavian Defense.