Scandinavian Defense: what should White play?

In this position from the Scandinavian Defense, White's most accurate move according to computer analysis is c3, challenging Black's advanced pawn on d4 immediately with an engine evaluation of -0.39. While human practice overwhelmingly favors other options, c3 provides White the quickest path toward undermining Black's central space advantage. White scores 46.2% across 243K recorded games (4.8% of games) with this strike against the center.

Strategic Goals of c3

By playing c3, White directly contests Black's central foothold on d4 and opens avenues for the queen on the queenside. Engine analysis follows with the illustrative variation c3 Nf6 Ng3 Nc6 Bc4 h5, where White repositions the knight from e2 to g3 to unblock the light-squared bishop. This approach seeks to dissolve Black's advanced pawn wedge before Black can comfortably secure it with pieces.

Popular Practical Alternatives

In recorded play, White chooses d3 most frequently, occurring in 49.5% of games (2.50M recorded) with a 53.6% scoring rate and an engine evaluation of -0.58. The illustrative continuation d3 c5 f4 Nc6 Nf3 exf4 demonstrates White securing the e4 outpost while preparing kingside expansion. Another common choice is Ng3, seen in 30.6% of games (1.54M recorded), yielding a 58.8% score and an evaluation of -0.57. An engine line for this setup runs Ng3 Be6 Bb5+ c6 Be2 g6.

Other Developing Moves

White also tests Nf3, played in 15.0% of games (758K recorded) with an evaluation of -0.61 and a 54.2% score, leading into lines such as Nf3 f6 Ng3 Be6 Bb5+ c6. Finally, the quiet flank move a3 is selected in 0.1% of games (4.5K recorded), evaluated at -0.56, where White achieves a 52.8% score alongside the continuation a3 h5 Nf3 f6 d3 Be6.