GM Smerdon's book on the Scandinavian is what rekindled my passion for chess a few years ago, and for the first time made me want to actually study the game. I enjoy his views on of practical chances vs. engine objectivity, and his results-based "part time grandmaster" approach. So it should be obvious what my recommendation is.
(Hint: it starts with "P"...)
(and ends with "ortugese")
I apologize for ruining of the thread. My recommendation is 3... Qd8 line.
The book titled The 3...Qd8 Scandinavian Simple And Strong by Daniel Lowinger is helpful. It only covers 3 Nc3 Qd8, does not cover when white deviates with something such as 3 Nf3 or 3 d4.
just watched smerdons Nf6 scandinavian presentation video for 50 moves on youtube for someone wondering why its called portuguese variation because Rui Damaso checkmated a chinese GM in 13 moves untill now the quickest checkmate on high level with the black pieces lol
smerdon gets forced checkmate sequences after 15 moves against gms who play the refutation line and know that he plays the portugese thats incredible
would you give me a few minutes if there is obviously a problem with the pgn
i think it doesnt work because its 4 games in one pgn
As white, 2...Nf6 is very easy to play, while Qxd5 is more complicated.
When i see 2...Nf6 on the board, it is like "thank u"!
But 2...Qxd5 doesnt define the game, as u can follow with Qa5, Qd6, Qd8 which lead to different positions and styles of play.
That's an interesting take on the position. 2...Qxd5 is optically more committal than 2...Nf6, but I think you're probably right. The caveat of course is that there are a number of transpositions and similarities possible after all three Q moves. But then again, those similarities can be a snare to confuse White.
I accept your statement that 2...Qd5 may be more challenging for White, but bear in mind that top players, including Carlsen himself, have played both. I don't think one is objectively inferior to the other, just that 2...Qd5 may give Black more options later.
know not much about the nf6 scandi but im intrigued now maybe i check out smerdon