Scandinavian Defense: what should White play?

In the Scandinavian Defense (ECO B01), White's most critical and principled response to Black's central challenge is the capture exd5. Entering this line liquidates the central tension immediately, yielding an engine evaluation of +0.69 while forcing Black to spend time recapturing on the d5 square. This choice dominates practical play, appearing in 66.0% of the over 152 million recorded games from this position.

The Strategic Value of exd5

By selecting exd5, White immediately eliminates Black's central pawn and tests the opponent's opening setup. Black is obliged to commit resources to regain the pawn, which often involves bringing pieces out early or allowing White rapid development with tempo. An illustrative continuation highlighted by engine analysis runs exd5 Nf6 d4 Qxd5 Nc3 Qd6, where White secures comfortable development and central control against the relocated black queen.

Passive and Closed Alternatives

Other choices relinquish White's opening edge and present fewer problems for Black. The closed approach with e5 occurs in 11.3% of games but brings the evaluation down to -0.05, often proceeding into lines such as e5 c5 c3 Nc6 d4 Bf5, where Black freely activates the light-squared bishop. Supporting the pawn via d3 scores an evaluation of -0.15 across 2.5% of recorded games, but it permits the Queen exchange d3 dxe4 dxe4 Qxd1+ Kxd1 Nc6, pulling the white king from its original square.

Developing Moves Under Pressure

Attempts to bypass pawn decisions through piece development generally surrender the initiative. Defending the pawn with Nc3 is seen in 5.9% of games but evaluates at -0.41, as Black can push forward and disrupt White's knights with Nc3 d4 Nb1 Nf6 e5 Nd5. Similarly, Bd3 rates at -0.38 across 0.3% of games, leading after Bd3 dxe4 Bxe4 e5 Nc3 Ne7 to an equalized position without opening advantage for White.