Chessy
Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation — White to play
After 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 3.e5, you get a space advantage and a position where Black must react carefully. The engine says you are a little better, but the game is still very playable for both sides. That makes this a great drill position: you can practise keeping the extra space, meet the main replies, and punish careless pawn moves. Focus on simple development, not forcing tactics, and test whether you can keep the initiative when Black challenges the centre.
Play the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation against the engine
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Create a free account →What the position is really about
This opening turns the game into a direct fight over the centre. Your advanced e-pawn gives you space, so Black has to look for counterplay instead of just building freely. That usually means you should keep your pieces active, protect your centre, and be ready for Black to strike at it with pawn moves. If you understand that this is about space and timing, the drill becomes much easier to navigate.
The engine's main answer
Stockfish rates this +0.56, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here.
The engine's best move here is Bf5, and the continuation given is Bf5 c3 e6 Nd2. In practical terms, that tells you Black's most accurate reaction is active piece play, not passive waiting. Your job is to stay solid, avoid drifting, and keep making normal developing moves while Black decides how to challenge your centre.
What the database says to expect
Across 4,182,577 games at this exact position, White wins 50.9%, draws 3.6%, and Black wins 45.5%. That is a very live position, not a forced advantage for either side.
The most-played continuations show the practical choices Black prefers: Bf5, f6, e6, g6, a6, and Nh6. Since Bf5 appears most often, you should expect active pressure on your centre and be ready to answer it calmly. The other replies still matter, but they are less common than the main line.
The moves to watch for
The listed mistakes are useful for your drill because they show where Black can go wrong. e6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns compared with Bf5. g6 is also an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns compared with Bf5. Nh6 is another inaccuracy and loses about 0.6 pawns compared with f6.
That means you should not panic if Black chooses one of those setups. Keep playing principled chess: develop pieces, keep your centre secure, and be ready to benefit if Black has spent a move on a less accurate plan.
Results across 4,182,577 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bf5 | 1,820,570 | 48.7% |
| f6 | 1,027,279 | 51.2% |
| e6 | 879,581 | 53.3% |
| g6 | 80,174 | 51.4% |
| a6 | 77,855 | 48.8% |
| Nh6 | 66,980 | 54.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation good for White?
Yes, the engine gives +0.56, which is a small edge for White. You are not winning by force, but you do start slightly better and can play for a pleasant game.
What is the most accurate reply for Black here?
The engine's best move is Bf5, and the continuation given is Bf5 c3 e6 Nd2. In the database, Bf5 is also the most-played continuation, so it is the main line you should expect.
Which replies should I know about in this position?
The main continuations listed are Bf5, f6, e6, g6, a6, and Nh6. Several of them are common enough to deserve attention, and e6, g6, and Nh6 are marked as inaccuracies.
What should I aim for as White after 3.e5?
Use the space advantage sensibly and keep developing your pieces. This position is about holding the centre, staying active, and being ready for Black's most principled challenge rather than hunting for a quick tactic.
How many games feature the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation?
Over 4 million Lichess games have reached the Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation, Advance Variation position. White wins 50.9%, Black wins 45.5%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.