FENrnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/4P3/5P2/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq -
Scandinavian Defense: what should Black play?
Best move
e5-0.91
White has played the awkward f3, weakening their kingside and the h4-e1 diagonal. By playing e5, you strike the center immediately, challenging White's e4 and preparing to exploit…
- Games played
- 533K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- -0.91
- Depth
- 25
Why e5 is the best move
e5! — The Only Good Move!
⚠️ Critical position — You found a move that only 5% of players identify!
Why this is the only good move:
White has played the awkward f3, weakening their kingside and the h4-e1 diagonal. By playing e5, you strike the center immediately, challenging White's e4 and preparing to exploit the holes around the White e1.
Why Other Moves Fail
| Move | Eval | Why It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| dxe4 | -0.11 | Most humans (52%) play this, but it fixes White's structure and opens the f1. |
| e6 | -0.53 | Too passive; it allows White to stabilize the center with d4. |
| Nc6 | -0.49 | Develops a piece but ignores the immediate central tension. |
The traps: The most common mistake, dxe4, is a "relief valve" move that helps White more than Black. By capturing, you resolve the tension and allow White to develop comfortably. e5 is superior because it forces White to make a difficult decision about the center while their development is stunted.
How To Find The Only Good Move
Step 1 — Recognize the critical moment: White's f3 is a major concession. It doesn't develop a piece and creates weaknesses. You must punish this lack of development immediately before White can catch up.
Step 2 — Eliminate the traps:
Don't trade pawns unless it gains you something concrete. Capturing on e4 simply helps White's pieces find better squares.
Step 3 — Verify the solution:
The main line shows Black maintaining a powerful central presence:
e5 exd5 Qxd5 Nc3 Qe6
📚 Pattern: When your opponent makes a weakening pawn move like f3 in the opening, look for ways to open the center and exploit the exposed King.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 533K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e5Engine pick | -0.91 | 0 | 0% | |
| e6 | -0.53 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nc6 | -0.49 | 0 | 0% | |
| a6 | -0.31 | 0 | 0% | |
| c5 | -0.29 | 0 | 0% |
More positions in the Scandinavian Defense
All Scandinavian Defense positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Scandinavian Defense?
e5 (-0.91). White has played the awkward f3, weakening their kingside and the h4-e1 diagonal. By playing e5, you strike the center immediately, challenging White's e4 and preparing to exploit…
Why is e5 the best move here?
White has played the awkward f3, weakening their kingside and the h4-e1 diagonal. By playing e5, you strike the center immediately, challenging White's e4 and preparing to exploit the holes around the White e1.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 533K times in the opening book.