Marshall Variation 2...Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 is variation 3 of 4 in the Scandinavian Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO B01). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Nxd5 4. c4 Nb6 …. Black recaptures with the knight instead of the queen. After 4.c4 Nb6 White has a big centre; Black fianchettoes with ...g6 and ...Bg7, castles and hits the centre with ...Nc6 and ...e5. 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: Black challenges e4.
2. exd5 – White takes the pawn.
2... Nf6 – Black develops first and will recapture on d5 with the knight, keeping the queen at home.
3. d4 – White takes the centre.
3... Nxd5 – The Marshall: Black regains the pawn with a piece.
4. c4 – White gains space and time by kicking the d5 knight.
4... Nb6 – The knight retreats to b6, where it pressures c4 and d5.
5. Nf3 – White develops and supports d4.
5... g6 – Black prepares ...Bg7 to put pressure on the long diagonal against d4.
6. Nc3 – White develops and supports e4 and d5.
6... Bg7 – Black completes the fianchetto.
7. h3 – White stops ...Bg4, which would pin the f3 knight and increase pressure on d4.
7... O-O – Black castles to safety.
8. Be3 – White protects d4 and develops.
8... Nc6 – Black adds another attacker to d4.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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