Scandinavian: 2...Nf6 3.d4 is variation 2 of 6 in the Beating 1.e4 sidelines course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B01). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Nxd5 4. Nf3 Bg4 …. Black takes back on d5 with the knight. White keeps a pawn on d4, develops calmly and castles. Then the c-pawn chases the knight away from d5, and White has a nice centre. 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... d5 – The Scandinavian Defence.
2. exd5 – White takes the pawn.
2... Nf6 – Black wants to take back with the knight.
3. d4 – White keeps the pawn chain simple and takes the centre.
3... Nxd5 – Black wins the pawn back.
4. Nf3 – White develops and gets ready to castle.
4... Bg4 – The bishop pins the knight.
5. Be2 – White breaks the pin and gets ready to castle.
5... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop.
6. O-O – White castles. The king is safe.
6... Be7 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
7. c4 – The pawn chases the knight away from the centre.
7... Nb6 – The knight steps back.
8. Nc3 – White develops the last knight. Both central pawns are well guarded.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
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