FENrnb1kb1r/pp2pppp/2p2n2/q7/2B5/2NP4/PPP2PPP/R1BQK1NR w KQkq -
Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.Bc4 Nf6: what to play after Nf6?
Best move
Bd2+0.49
By playing Bd2, you solve the immediate pressure on the c3 while developing your final minor piece. This creates a "discovered attack" threat against the a5, forcing Black to…
- Games played
- 256K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.49
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Bd2 is the best move
Bd2! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 2 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Bd2, you solve the immediate pressure on the c3 while developing your final minor piece. This creates a "discovered attack" threat against the a5, forcing Black to reconsider their queen's placement.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Bd2 | +0.49 | Positional & Solid: Develops with a tempo on the Queen. |
| Qe2 | +0.36 | Central Control: Overprotects e4 and prepares long castling. |
Different paths, same destination:
Bd2 is the most natural and human choice, favored by over 50% of players. It focuses on completing development efficiently. Meanwhile, Qe2 is a slightly more flexible approach, keeping the c1 at home for a moment to see if it's needed on f4 or g5 later. Both maintain White's slight opening advantage.
Your Continuation
After Bd2:
Qc7 a4 Bf5 Nf3 e6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: The need to neutralize the pin on the c3 knight. By placing the d2 there, you not only protect the knight but also prepare to challenge the center with Nf3 without worrying about the a5 causing tactical trouble on the queenside.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style—whether you prefer the direct development of Bd2 or the central reinforcement of Qe2, both lead to a great game!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 256K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bd2Engine pick | +0.49 | 239K | 53% | |
| Qe2 | +0.36 | 12K | 62% | |
| Qf3 | +0.28 | 3.1K | 53% | |
| Bb3 | +0.20 | 1.9K | 52% | |
| a4 | +0.25 | 0 | — |
The line
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Scandinavian: 2...Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.Bc4 Nf6?
Bd2 (+0.49). By playing Bd2, you solve the immediate pressure on the c3 while developing your final minor piece. This creates a "discovered attack" threat against the a5, forcing Black to…
Why is Bd2 the best move here?
By playing Bd2, you solve the immediate pressure on the c3 while developing your final minor piece. This creates a "discovered attack" threat against the a5, forcing Black to reconsider their queen's placement.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 256K times in the opening book.