Scandinavian Defense: what should Black play?

In this position from the Scandinavian Defense, Black's primary and most effective continuation is Nf6, developing the kingside knight toward the center while preparing rapid kingside castling. Engine evaluation rates Nf6 highest at -0.27, and it dominates practical play with 3.50M recorded games (68.1% of the database), holding White to a 45.4% scoring rate.

Natural Development with Nf6

Playing Nf6 allows Black to follow classical development principles by fighting for central control and opening an avenue for kingside safety. An illustrative continuation demonstrating this straightforward approach runs Nf6 d4 Bd6 Nf3 O-O O-O, after which both sides conclude their early development harmoniously. Black maintains a stable presence on the d5 outpost while White's light-squared bishop remains situated on b3.

The Solid Alternative 5...c6

The second most frequent try is c6, chosen in 23.3% of games (1.19M recorded) with an evaluation of -0.18 and a 45.0% White score. This move shores up the central d5 pawn immediately, creating a classic Caro-Kann-style pawn pyramid. In the engine line c6 d4 Bd6 Nf3 Be6 Bg5, Black relies on solid structural stability, though it temporarily defers the development of the kingside knight.

Probing Alternatives

Other moves offer distinct strategic ideas, such as the flank thrust a5, played in 4.6% of games (235K recorded) and evaluated at -0.22, where White scores 42.0% in the sequence a5 a4 Nf6 d4 Bd6 Nf3. Black may also develop toward the center via Nc6 (eval -0.19, played in 4.1% of games), pointing toward Nc6 Ne2 Na5 d4 Nf6 h3, or opt for the quiet h6 (eval -0.19), leading to h6 Nf3 a5 a4 Qe7+ Qe2.