Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Beating 1.e4 sidelines course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B01). It runs 21 moves and begins 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 …. Black takes back with the queen, and White gains time by hitting it. When the bishop pins from g4, White chases it with the h-pawn and the g-pawn. The knight jumps to e5, and the bishop on g6 soon feels trapped. 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 and opens lines for the queen and a bishop.
1... d5 – The Scandinavian Defence. Black attacks e4 at once.
2. exd5 – White takes the pawn. Now Black must spend a move to win it back.
2... Qxd5 – The queen takes back, but it is out early.
3. Nc3 – White develops and hits the queen. White gains a tempo.
3... Qa5 – The main line. The queen stays active and pins the c3 knight from the side.
4. d4 – White takes the centre and opens the c1 bishop.
4... Nf6 – Black develops the knight.
5. Nf3 – White develops and gets ready to castle.
5... Bg4 – The bishop pins the f3 knight to the queen.
6. h3 – White asks the bishop a question at once.
6... Bh5 – The most common move, but it is an inaccuracy. The bishop will be chased again.
7. g4 – White chases the bishop again and gains space.
7... Bg6 – The bishop's only safe square.
8. Ne5 – The knight jumps to a strong square and eyes the bishop on g6.
8... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop. This is the best move.
The lesson goes on for 5 more moves, each with its explanation.
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