Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d5/2. d3

Scandinavian defence B01 Scandinavian defence 2. d3?! This is a timid reply, usually played only for surprise value or by beginners. White's e-pawn is defended but it's not ideal: after 2...dxe4 White's d-pawn is pinned to their queen. So, 3. dxe4 Qxd1+ 4.Kxd1 and White has lost castling rights. One alternative for White is to gambit their central pawns instead: 3. Nc3 transposes into the Dunst-Perrenet gambit, where 3...exd3 4. Bxd3 and White has better piece activity, but it is scant compensation for the loss of both central pawns. Since White has not put any pressure on Black, they have conceded the initiative and Black has many other options of reply. If both players leave the central tension the position starts to resemble a Philidor defence with colours reversed: 2...Nc6 (controlling e5, so preventing ...Nf3 e5!) 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3 e5 5. Be2 is the reverse of the Hanham variation of the Philidor. Theory table 2...dxe4 3. dxe4 Qxd1+ 4. Kxd1 e5 2. ... ... 3. Nc3 exd3 4. Bxd3 Nc6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 Nf6 7. Nf3 g5 8. Bg3 Bg7 9. Qe2 Dunst Perrenet gambit(by transposition) 2...Nc6 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Ngf3 e5 5. Be2 Inverted Hanham defence(by transposition) References See also