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Scandinavian Defense: all variations and ECO codes

45 named lines across 1 ECO code (B01). Source: the CC0-licensed lichess.org opening database.

The idea

The 45 named lines split mainly on where Black’s queen retreats after being kicked by Nc3: the main lines (3...Qd6 or 3...Qa5) keep the queen active but exposed to further tempo-gaining attacks, while the Modern Variation develops the knight to f6 first and recaptures the pawn with it instead, avoiding the repeated queen harassment entirely at the cost of one extra tempo rather than any material.

The main line

Position after 1.e4 d5 (B01). Open this line on Lichess → · Scandinavian Defense on Lichess

How the main line scores at your rating

Real Lichess win rates for 1.e4 d5, playing as black: the family’s other variations are not separately tracked for win rate yet, main line only.

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Win/draw/loss rate by rating band
Rating bandGamesWhite / draw / BlackScore for black
1400-1600 10,029 White/draw/black: 48.4% / 3.5% / 48.2% 48.4% / 3.5% / 48.2% 49.9%
1600-1800 11,721 White/draw/black: 48.3% / 4.2% / 47.5% 48.3% / 4.2% / 47.5% 49.6%
1800-2000 8,562 White/draw/black: 48.0% / 4.5% / 47.5% 48.0% / 4.5% / 47.5% 49.8%
2000+ 4,182 White/draw/black: 48.6% / 5.1% / 46.3% 48.6% / 5.1% / 46.3% 48.8%

All 45 named variations

Every named line in the Scandinavian Defense family, from the CC0-licensed ECO classification: not separately tracked for win rate, but every ECO code and move sequence is real, sourced data.

Browse more

ECO Volume B: Semi-Open Games (other than the French Defense) → · All ECO families → · Search and play every line in the interactive explorer →

Related

Scandinavian Defense (full deep-dive)

Real replies, common mistakes, and master games for one curated line.

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