Starting out: the Scandinavian

In recent years the Scandinavian has firmly established itself as an opening to be reckoned with. Why has it become so popular? One reason is that it`s relatively easy to learn and play - in many cases Black can rely upon the same system of development regard­less of how White proceeds. International Master Jovanka Houska has successfully played both sides of the Scandinavian, and here she reveals everything you need to know about the opening, whether you are employing it with Black or facing it with White.

The Everyman Chess Starting Out series has firmly established itself as the leading guide to studying openings for up-and-coming players. These books are distinguished by their easy-to-read layout, the lucid explanations of the fundamentals, and the abundance of notes, tips and warnings to help the reader absorb vital ideas.

-Written by a Scandinavian expert

-All the main lines are covered

-Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players

PREFACE 

The Scandinavian (or the Centre Counter as it is also known) is a long established opening. Indeed, the first recorded game was played in the 15th century. In the 19th century its popularity was based on its aggressive and tactical opportunities; Black players were lunging like wild men with an early ...e5 at White`s central d4-pawn. Nowadays its popularity lies in the simplicity of the ``big idea`` fundamen­tal to the opening, and the fact that from the first move Black players are on their own turf. A further point to add to this is that whereas players on the White side are incredibly booked up on the Sicilian, 1...e5, the French, etc, against the Scandi­navian many simply rely on some scarce knowledge in the hope that simple and natural moves will give them the advantage.

On a personal note, I began using the Scandinavian through my teens and the opening took me very easily to Woman Grandmaster level. I must confess before signing on the dotted line that I was a little nervous as to whether I should embark on this project. I was hesitant as to whether I could convey the sophistications and subtleties both sides employ against each other. However, while musing over the problem, I had a sudden brainwave as to how to categorize the information and so the year-long project (or obsession!) began.

I must also confess to be a little bit inspired to disprove the negative opinion that shrouds the opening at the highest level, but I must stress there is a big difference between the elite (with their supporting seconds) and the lone individual playing club chess on a weeknight! I remember when I played 1...d5, there was always a pause followed by an ``hmmm`` when my opponent contemplated what to play!

My task was helped enormously by the published work of Grandmasters Sergei Tiviakov, John Emms, Eric Prie, Karsten Müller and Matthias Wahls, whose analysis I have tried to build upon. I must also hold my hands up and admit that at times the material is slightly biased towards the black pieces, primarily because I figured that those buying a book on the Scandinavian would normally be adher­ents. However, I have not shirked away from tough lines and I have always tried to be honest as to which variations I prefer and which are the strongest ideas for both sides.

There is no denying that there are some tough lines for Black to master; the advent of computers has brought a much closer scrutiny on openings. However, I believe with a deep understanding of the ideas and plans behind the opening one can de­feat those relying on such technological beasts, and this is what this introductory Starting Out book aims to do. I will always highlight which lines one needs to memorize and when the viability of a position depends on a certain move or whether there is a certain plan that one must follow.

Jovanka Houska

July 2009

INDEX

1 e4 d5 2 exd5 Qxd5

1 Introduction to 2...Qxd5

2 The Main Line: Shirov`s 8 Nd5

3 Qe2 and Ne4 Lines

4 Ne5 Lines

5 Modern Move Orders

6 Fourth Move Alternatives for White

7 3...Qd6: Introduction and Main Lines

8 3...Qd6: Sixth Move Alternatives

9 3...Qd6: Fifth Move Alternatives

10 Third Move Alternatives

1 e4 d5 2 exd5 Nf6

11 Introduction to 2...Nf6

12 The Fianchetto Variation

13 The 4...Bg4 Variation

14 The Portuguese Variation

15 3 c4 and 3 Bb5+

16 Unusual Lines

• Casa editrice Everyman Chess
• Codice 6024
• Anno 2009
• Pagine p. 320
• Isbn 9781857445824