Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation 3.d4 (Part 1)

The Scandinavian Defense is an opening that is often seen as dubious and inaccurate for black. The lack of representation at high level is due to its inherent weaknesses of losing material or tempi when white plays accurately as well as the spatial disadvantage black has in accurate lines. However, the sharp lines it can bring and white's potential lack of knowledge of this opening's lines can lead to an easy equalization for black or even a significant dynamic advantage for black. 

In the most common exd5 line, black realistically has two options: 2...Qxd5 or 2...Nf6. I personally prefer the 2...Nf6 line as it has many different sharp lines it leads into.

This line allows for many responses from white such as 3.d4, 3.Nc3, 3.Bb5+, 3.c4, and 3.Nf3, just to name a few. In this part, I will be going over the most common line of 3.d4 and the moves and ideas behind black's responses.

In most cases, I play 3...Bg4 against 3.d4, the Portuguese Variation. This allows for quick development of the bishop and can lead to a very early equalization.

However, 3...Bg4 is not without its flaws. 4.f3 leads to an incredibly sharp line where white can take an edge.

Understanding why white has to play certain moves and not others can enable you to notice opening mistakes and take advantage of them.  In the next part I will be going over white's other responses that do not defend the pawn.