Main line 3...Qa5 is variation 1 of 4 in the Scandinavian Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO B01). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 …. The classical Scandinavian: the queen goes to a5, Black develops with ...Nf6, ...c6, ...Bf5, ...e6 and ...Bb4, and keeps a very solid position against White's free development. 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 immediately.
2. exd5 – White takes the pawn; this is by far the most common reply.
2... Qxd5 – Black regains the pawn straight away and puts a piece in the centre.
3. Nc3 – White develops with tempo on the queen.
3... Qa5 – The queen moves to a5, where it is out of the way, pins the c3 knight after d4 and still controls the a5-e1 diagonal.
4. d4 – White takes the centre.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and controls e4 and d5.
5. Nf3 – White develops and supports d4.
5... c6 – A key move: it gives the queen a retreat square on c7, stops Nb5 and supports a later ...e6 structure.
6. Bc4 – White develops the bishop to its most active diagonal.
6... Bf5 – The bishop develops outside the pawn chain before ...e6.
7. Bd2 – White unpins the c3 knight and prepares Nd5 or Nb5 discovered attacks on the queen.
7... e6 – Black builds the solid c6-e6 wedge and frees the f8 bishop.
8. Qe2 – White prepares O-O-O and a possible d5 or Ne5 push.
8... Bb4 – Black develops with a pin on the c3 knight, increasing pressure on the queenside.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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