Scandinavian Defense 1…d5 2. b3
Also known as Center Counter Defense
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Statistics from Lichess
54,380 games: White 48.6% / Draw 3.8% / Black 47.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 43,05743K | ||
| 5,3955,395 | ||
| 1,3601,360 | ||
| 1,3341,334 | ||
| 986986 | ||
| 760760 | ||
| 640640 | ||
| 429429 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Nov 2, 2026
Engine evaluation
−1.10 Black is better
Best play: 2... dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3 Bf5 5. Qe2 exf3 6. Nxf3 e6 7. Bb2
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Scandinavian Defense (ECO B01, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense, reached after 1. e4 d5 2. b3 (2 moves).
In 54,380 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 48.6%, Black 47.5% and 3.8% were drawn. Black's most played move here is 2…dxe4, in 79% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to answer 2. b3
2…d4 scores best for Black: 50.1%, with Black winning 48.1% and White 47.9% of 5,395 games. The most played answer, 2…dxe4, scores lowest: 49.5% in 43K games. Stockfish's first choice is 2…dxe4.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: Black's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Transpositions
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Scandinavian Defense (B01)”. Lichess data as of 2 Nov 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/scandinavian-defense-2