ScandinavianB01

Schiller-Pytel Variation

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd6 4. d4 c6

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Capture on d5 and gain tempi on the black queen: Nc3, d4, Nf3, developing with threats. White's edge is a lasting lead in development, to be converted before Black's structure settles in.

Black's plan

...d5 liquidates the white center at once: no endless theory, one standard structure (c6, e6, Bf5) and a single plan to know by heart. The queen retreats to d6 or a5 and Black plays for solidity.

The line, move by move

1. e4e4 occupies the center.
... d5d5 strikes at the center.
2. exd5exd5 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
... Qxd5Qxd5 captures a pawn.
3. Nc3Nc3 attacks the queen, develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
... Qd6Qd6 controls d4, d5 and e5.
4. d4d4 occupies the center.
... c6c6 controls d5.

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Other major variations

The complete Scandinavian guide See all 45 variations in the branch map