Chess opening · ECO B01
Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation
The Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation starts 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5. It ranks #22 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.
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. Nc3 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc3 78% | Nf3 5% | d4 5% |
| 1200–1399 | Nc3 80% | Nf3 6% | d4 4% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 80% | Nf3 8% | d4 6% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 73% | Nf3 12% | d4 9% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 73% | Nf3 11% | d4 11% |
| 2000 and up | Nc3 77% | d4 10% | Nf3 9% |
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