10. Attacking the Scandinavian
Back in 2006, at Wijk Ann Zee, the Dutch GM Sergi Tiviakov unleashed the Scandinavian Defense against the then elite players of the world.
His results were nothing short of impressive — holding the joint-winner GM Vishwanathan Anand to a draw while beating GM Gata Kamsky.
It turned out that the Scandinavian (or Center-Counter) could be more than just a surprise weapon.
But is there a way for White to get an advantage in the opening?
With the right play, there is 🙂
White can get an advantage while also not cramming complex lines into their brains. This course covers exactly that!
Check out the positions taken from this course below:
After finishing it, you’ll have a clear plan on how to get an opening advantage whenever you face the Scandinavian Defense.
Let’s begin!
What you'll learn
- The essential ideas and variations you need to know to get an advantage in this opening.
- Why after 2...Qxd5, our Grandmasters recommend 3.Nf3, instead of the tempo-gaining 3.Nc3.
- The most dangerous move against 2...Nf6, which is one of Black’s mainlines.
- Model games that will give you a practical guide on converting the opening advantage.
Lesson Plan
71 episode(s) 3 hours 39 minStudents give this course an average of 5 out of 5 stars.
Robert Hovhannisyan
Edo Tokyo
Gor Avetisyan
Deleted user
Giorgos Kechagias
WIM_Siranush Ghukasyan
Edvin Grigoryan
Ritvik Caringula
Adem Souissi
Deleted user
GM Avetik Grigoryan
After having a successful playing career where he became the Armenian Champion in 2010, GM Avetik Grigoryan found his passion for chess coaching and switched to it full-time.
Since then, he has guided many ambitious players to become Grandmasters and International Masters and has over 10 years of coaching experience.
He believes anyone can improve at chess, with the right mood and proper direction. And with that vision, he founded ChessMood in 2018.
After having a successful playing career where he became the Armenian Champion in 2010, GM Avetik Grigoryan found his passion for chess coaching and switched to it full-time.
Since then, he has guided many ambitious players to become Grandmasters and International Masters and has over 10 years of coaching experience.
He believes anyone can improve at chess, with the right mood and proper direction. And with that vision, he founded ChessMood in 2018.
GM Robert Hovhannisyan
GM Robert Hovhannisyan became an Armenian Champion in 2011 and was part of Armenia’s gold-winning team at the World Team Championship in the same year.
He was also the runner-up at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2011.
He’s known for his endgame skills and excellent concentration abilities.
GM Robert Hovhannisyan became an Armenian Champion in 2011 and was part of Armenia’s gold-winning team at the World Team Championship in the same year.
He was also the runner-up at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2011.
He’s known for his endgame skills and excellent concentration abilities.
The Scandinavian Defense arises after 1.e4 d5. With their first move, Black has made their intentions clear to fight for the center.
Because of this, the opening is also known as the Center Counter Game.
The History of Scandinavian Defense
The Scandinavian Defense was first played back in 1475 between Francisco De Castellvi - Narcisco Vinoles in Valencia, in which White emerged victorious.
The opening is named after the Scandinavian masters, especially the brothers Ludvig Collijn and Gustav Collijn, who analyzed it and developed its theory.
Is the Scandinavian a good opening?
This opening is rarely employed in serious games at the top level and for understandable reasons. With accurate play from White, Black gets an inferior position out of the opening.
Beginners are better off studying a more solid opening with the Black pieces than just relying on the Scandinavian.
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