2.Nc3 d5: the Scandinavian Variation is variation 6 of 6 in the Alekhine Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B02). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. e5 Nfd7 4. d4 e6 …. White defends e4 with the knight instead of pushing. Black strikes with ...d5. After 3.e5 the knight retreats to d7, and Black builds a French-like chain and attacks it with ...c5 and ...f6. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – The Alekhine. The knight attacks e4.
2. Nc3 – White defends e4 with the knight.
2... d5 – The Scandinavian Variation. Black strikes in the centre.
3. e5 – White chases the knight.
3... Nfd7 – The knight retreats to d7. Black will hit the e5 pawn with the c-pawn and the f-pawn.
4. d4 – White supports e5.
4... e6 – Black builds a French-like pawn chain.
5. Nf3 – White develops and protects d4.
5... c5 – Black attacks the base of White's pawn chain.
6. dxc5 – White takes on c5.
6... Nc6 – The knight develops and attacks e5.
7. Bf4 – White defends e5.
7... Bxc5 – Black wins the pawn back with a good bishop.
8. Bd3 – White develops and aims at h7.
8... f6 – Black attacks e5 again and opens the f-file.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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