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Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation: what should Black play?
Best move
c5+0.38
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's control of the center and prepare to open the c5 file. It is a highly sophisticated choice that prevents White from easily…
- Games played
- 232K
- To move
- Black
- Evaluation
- +0.38
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why c5 is the best move
c5! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 4 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's control of the center and prepare to open the c5 file. It is a highly sophisticated choice that prevents White from easily establishing a d4 pawn center without allowing a trade.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is rich with possibilities! You found the engine's favorite, but there were four paths to equality:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| c5 | +0.38 | Positional: Challenges the center and prepares queenside pressure. |
| Bg4 | +0.39 | Active: Develops with a tempo by pinning the f3. |
| e5 | +0.43 | Classical: Claims central space and opens lines for the f8. |
| g6 | +0.52 | Hypermodern: Prepares a kingside fianchetto to pressure the long diagonal. |
Different paths, same destination: While most humans (28%) naturally gravitate toward the pin with Bg4, your move c5 is actually the most precise according to the engine. It leads to a semi-open game where Black maintains excellent flexibility. Whether you prefer the direct confrontation of e5 or the slow build of g6, all these moves keep the balance.
Your Continuation
After c5:
d4 cxd4 Qxd4 Bd7 Be2
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That White's c4 setup leaves the d4 square slightly sensitive. By striking with the c-pawn, you force White to decide how to handle the tension in the center.
📚 Takeaway: You found a move that 0% of humans at your level typically find! It shows a great understanding of central tension. In positions with multiple "best" moves, trust the one that fits your preferred style of play.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 232K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | +0.68 | 178K | 51% | |
| Bg4 | +0.39 | 30K | 54% | |
| g6 | +0.52 | 12K | 48% | |
| c5Engine pick | +0.38 | 8.0K | 50% | |
| e5 | +0.43 | 3.5K | 50% |
More positions in the Scandinavian Defense
- Best moveexd5Pawn e4 → d5Scandinavian Defense153M games
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Scandinavian Defense101M games
- Best moveNc3Knight b1 → c3Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation71M games
- Best moved4Pawn d5 → d4Scandinavian Defense26M games
- Best moveNxd5Knight f6 → d5Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation22M games
- Best movec5Pawn c7 → c5Scandinavian Defense22M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for Black in the Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation?
c5 (+0.38). By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's control of the center and prepare to open the c5 file. It is a highly sophisticated choice that prevents White from easily…
Why is c5 the best move here?
By playing c5, you immediately challenge White's control of the center and prepare to open the c5 file. It is a highly sophisticated choice that prevents White from easily establishing a d4 pawn center without allowing a trade.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 232K times in the opening book.