Scandinavian Defense: Main Line

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5

ECO B01

The Scandinavian Defense: Main Line is a chess opening line in the Scandinavian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5.

It is catalogued under code B01 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Qa5 is chosen by Black on move 3.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Leonhardt Gambit and the Mieses Variation.

Named variations

• Scandinavian Defense: Main Line, Leonhardt Gambit — ECO B01
• Scandinavian Defense: Main Line, Mieses Variation — ECO B01

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Scandinavian Defense course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.