Chess opening · ECO B01
Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation
The Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation starts 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6. It ranks #70 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... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
At the end of the line White is a pawn up.
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 Nc3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d4.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc3 47% | c4 26% | Bc4 26% |
| 1200–1399 | Nc3 43% | c4 26% | Bc4 11% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 39% | c4 28% | d4 11% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 29% | c4 28% | d4 18% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 28% | Nc3 27% | c4 25% |
| 2000 and up | d4 36% | Bb5+ 19% | c4 19% |
Related openings
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