I have played the centre counter for a long time now, so I have seen most of these counters to it at one point or another. I'll give a rough estimate of the percentage of the time it is played against me.
2. d4 One of my friends plays the blackmar-diemer and it is perfectly playable. It gives white a good attacking position at the cost of a pawn and black has to defend. I think this is a good bet against the centre counter. 3%
2. Nc3 Is played by lower leveled players generally. If white advances either of the knights on the second move you can kick it with your centre pawn. 5%
2. e5 Centre counter declined. This is a good move as it gives white breathing space and can often cramp blacks kingside. I generally play 2.. Bf5 then e6, c5, Nc6, Qb6. As you said it is an advanced french game. 8%
2. d3 isn't as bad as it sounds. After Pxpe4 white shouldn't take back right away. It should develope a knight to c3 and take the pawn later or it will lose the right to castle. 3%
Other things I have seen, 2. Qf6 is quite bad but I have seen it a few times. Black gets to chase the white queen around the board a bit. 3%
2. Nf3 is terrible, but people seem to play it. After Pxpe4 the knight must run. 2%
2. g6 is ok. Gets ready to perform a fianchetto. B6 is identical. 1% each.
Hi Everyone,
Ok, we are finally starting the Scandinavian Defense! Here is a quick introduction:
The Scandinavian Defense, or Center Counter game, begins:
1. e4 d5
It is one of the oldest chess openings, the earliest recorded game with it was played in 1475!
White's normal response is 2.exd5, but let us examine the alteratives:
2. d4
This transposes into the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, which is most likely unsound but full of traps that black can fall into. This is a solid way to counter the Scandinavian.
2. Nc3
This transposes into van Geet's opening (1. Nc3), but doesn't trouble Black to much. he should gain a fully equal game after 2... d4 and 3... e5.
2. e5
Often transposes into the Advance Variation of the French Defense.
2. d3?
2. d3? dxe4
3.dxe4 Qxd1+
4.Kxd1 e5
Black should have an advantage here.
Next, we will talk about the critical 2.exd5