ECO B01 · for Black
Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
30,928,883 games in this band reached the Mieses-Kotroc Variation position. From there Black won 46% and drew 5%.
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd8 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bc4 e6 6. O-O Be7 7. d4 O-O 8. Bg5
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... d5
Immediately breaking in the center and forcing White to make a decision.
2. exd5
Exchanging pawns, going into the Scandinavian opening.
2... Qxd5
Reclaiming the pawn immediately, centralizing the queen early in the game. However, this could expose the queen to potential attacks.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 Qd8 4. Nf3 Nf6
3. Nc3
Winning a tempo on the queen while developing a piece.
- 3. Nf3: Aiming to develop the kingside pieces quickly in order to castle and take advantage of the black queen's position.
3... Qd8
Retreating the queen back to d8. Here black is arguing that the white knight on c3 is misplaced and blocking the c-pawn.
- 3... Qa5: Removing the queen from the center where it is easily attacked.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight and aiming to use the development edge to prove an advantage.
- 4. d4: Advancing the d-pawn, gaining space and allowing the dark squared bishop to be activated.
- 4. Bc4: Developing the bishop, aiming to use the lead in development to prove an advantage and attack.
4... Nf6
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bc4 e6 6. O-O Be7
5. Bc4
5... e6
6. O-O
6... Be7
Moves 7 to 8
7. d4 O-O 8. Bg5
7. d4
7... O-O
8. Bg5
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The light-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on b7
- The queenside knight generally develops to d7
- Common pawn moves are c6, c5, b6, b5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Modern Defense for Black