Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation
1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6
With the Modern variation of the Scandinavian Black prepares to recapture on d5 with the knight rather than the queen. This way a less-valuable piece will be on the exposed square in the center.
Pros:
- Black does not lose time with the queen (compared to 2...Qxd5)
- Black has free play with his pieces
Cons:
- The knight moves twice to capture on d5
- The knight can be chased by c2-c4
- White gains space in the center