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Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation – How to Play as Black
The Alekhine Defense is a hypermodern classic, but in the Scandinavian Variation Black takes a more direct approach. After 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 dxe4, you have already grabbed a pawn and forced White to find compensation. The statistics across nearly 3.7 million games show a balanced fight (White wins 50.9%, Black wins 45.8%), but the engine sees a clear advantage for you from the start. This page breaks down what to expect, which replies White might choose, and how to punish the most common mistakes. Jump into the drill below to start practising.
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The position after 3...dxe4 is already unusual for White. By playing 2.Nc3 instead of the more common 2.e5 or 2.d3, White has avoided the main Alekhine lines — but has also given you, as Black, the chance to grab a pawn and force them to prove their compensation. Your pawn on e4 is a real asset, but it also means White will try to tear open the centre and attack your king. The engine rates this position at -0.74, a clear edge for Black. That means you are better here, but only if you stay alert and don't let White build a dangerous initiative with quick development and open files.
The Engine's Top Reply: f3
Stockfish's best move for White is 4.f3, an aggressive try to regain the pawn immediately and open lines against your king. After 4...exf3 5.Nxf3, White has given up a pawn but has two knights out and a semi-open f-file aimed at your position. The engine then recommends 5...g6, preparing to fianchetto your bishop on g7. This is a solid, flexible setup. Over 2.5 million games have seen 4.f3, and White scores 53.1% — so although the engine says you are better, this is the line where White has the best practical chances. Stay calm, complete your development, and castle quickly.
The Most Dangerous Reply: Bg5
The second-most popular move for White is 4.Bg5, played over 550,000 times. Interestingly, White scores worse here (48.8%) than with 4.f3 (53.1%), which means this pin might look threatening but actually gives you excellent chances. Your plan is straightforward: develop your pieces, keep your extra pawn if possible, and break the pin when it suits you. The engine also reveals that 4.Qe2 is a mistake — it loses about 1.0 pawns in evaluation, and the correct move would have been 4.Bg5 instead. So if your opponent plays 4.Qe2, you can be confident you've already outplayed them in the opening.
Mistakes to Watch For
The most notable error in this position is 4.Qe2. Played in over 75,000 games, it scores just 47.1% for White and drops roughly a full pawn in Stockfish's evaluation. White should have chosen 4.Bg5 instead. As Black, after 4.Qe2, your task is simple: defend your extra pawn with moves like ...Bf5 or ...Nc6, develop naturally, and enjoy a comfortable advantage. Other less common White tries like 4.Bc4, 4.Bf4, or 4.Be3 all score between 45.0% and 46.5% — poor results that confirm the position favours you. Recognise these moves and trust your position.
Results across 3,691,580 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| f3 | 2,555,477 | 53.1% |
| Bg5 | 550,342 | 48.8% |
| Bc4 | 137,768 | 45.0% |
| Bf4 | 89,403 | 45.0% |
| Be3 | 84,738 | 46.5% |
| Qe2 | 75,776 | 47.1% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alekhine Defense: Scandinavian Variation?
It starts with 1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 dxe4. Black invites White to chase the knight and then strikes in the centre with d5, capturing on e4. Unlike the main Alekhine lines, this variation avoids 2.e5 and leads to a different pawn structure where Black has grabbed a pawn early.
Is the Alekhine Defense Scandinavian Variation good for Black?
Yes, the engine gives Black a clear advantage at -0.74. Across millions of games, Black wins 45.8% and White wins 50.9%, so the results are competitive — and the engine believes Black is better from the start if you play accurately.
How should Black respond to 4.f3?
The engine's top line is 4...exf3 5.Nxf3 g6. You give back the extra pawn but complete development quickly with a fianchettoed bishop on g7. This leads to a solid, harmonious position where your slight lead in development and safer king give you an edge.
What is White's biggest mistake in this opening?
Playing 4.Qe2 is an inaccuracy that loses about one pawn in evaluation. White should have played 4.Bg5 instead. If your opponent plays 4.Qe2, you can defend your extra pawn with moves like ...Bf5 and enjoy a comfortable advantage.