Chess opening · ECO B01
Scandinavian Defense: Main Line
The Scandinavian Defense: Main Line starts 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5. It ranks #83 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. exd5White takes the pawn on d5 with the e-pawn.
- 2... Qxd5Black recaptures on d5 with the queen.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3. It now attacks the queen on d5.
- 3... Qa5Black moves the queen from d5 to a5. It now attacks the knight on c3.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nf3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d4.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nf3 50% | d4 29% | d3 21% |
| 1200–1399 | Nf3 42% | d4 22% | d3 11% |
| 1400–1599 | Nf3 36% | d4 26% | d3 11% |
| 1600–1799 | d4 35% | Nf3 34% | Bc4 9% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 49% | Nf3 27% | Bc4 12% |
| 2000 and up | d4 53% | Nf3 23% | Bc4 18% |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →