Scandinavian Defense: what to play after e5?

In the Advance Variation of the Scandinavian Defense, Black's most testing and engine-favored response is c5, immediately challenging White's advanced central pawn chain with an evaluation of -0.16. Across 21,832,085 recorded games in this position, Black typically aims to undermine the advanced e5 wedge before White can solidify the center. Other sound setups include developing the light-squared bishop or pushing in the center, but striking the flanks remains the primary strategic objective.

Challenging the Center with c5

The pawn thrust c5 attacks the base of White's spatial advantage and transposes into structures reminiscent of the French Defense or Caro-Kann, but without Black's light-squared bishop locked behind an e6-pawn. An illustrative continuation demonstrating this counterplay runs c5 c3 Bf5 d4 e6 Bb5+, where Black successfully activates the f5 outside the pawn chain before playing e6. This active piece development offsets White's space advantage and leaves Black with a comfortable position.

Developing Alternatives for Black

Black also has viable alternatives if seeking different pawn structures. The active bishop sortie Bf5 evaluates at -0.08 and directly clears the light-squared bishop toward the kingside, as seen in Bf5 d4 e6 Be3 Nd7 Nf3. Alternatively, Black can seize space in the center with d4 (-0.10 evaluation), leading to tactical skirmishes after d4 Bb5+ Nc6 Nf3 e6 Bxc6+. Quiet preparation moves such as a6 (-0.09) and Bd7 (+0.10) also maintain solid positions, though c5 remains the most dynamic option to dismantle White's early pawn advances.