Scandinavian Defense: Schiller-Pytel Variation, Modern Variation

A solid and flexible opening for Black that focuses on quick development and control of the center.

The Scandinavian Defense: Schiller-Pytel Variation, Modern Variation begins with Black immediately challenging White's central pawn with a pawn capture on d5. After White recaptures with the queen, Black develops their queen to d6, preparing to castle kingside. White continues with standard development moves, aiming to control the center and prepare for a kingside attack. Black plays c6 to solidify their pawn structure and prepare for a potential pawn break in the center. White develops the knight to g3, eyeing the f5 square and potentially preparing for a kingside pawn storm. Black fianchettos their dark-squared bishop to f5, putting pressure on White's center and preparing to castle kingside. White plays Bf4 to develop the light-squared bishop and put pressure on Black's kingside. Black responds by attacking White's queen with Qb4, putting pressure on the b2 pawn and potentially forcing White to make a decision regarding their queen placement.