Scandinavian Defense: Richter Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
46,511 games: White 50.3% / Draw 4.8% / Black 44.9%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 23,30423K | ||
| 12,95213K | ||
| 5,0155,015 | ||
| 1,0511,051 | ||
| 823823 | ||
| 730730 | ||
| 509509 | ||
| 498498 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.26 White is better
Best play: 4. c4 Bg7 5. Nc3 O-O 6. Nf3 c6 7. dxc6 Nxc6 8. d5 Na5
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Scandinavian Defense: Richter Variation (ECO B01, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, reached after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 g6 (3 moves).
In 46,511 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 50.3%, Black 44.9% and 4.8% were drawn. White's most played move here is 4. c4, in 50% of those games.
It continues into one named variation, Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Wing Gambit.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Scandinavian Defense: Richter Variation
The most played answer, 4. c4, also scores best for White: 54.4%, with White winning 52.1% and Black 43.3% of 23K games. Of the main answers, 4. Nc3 scores lowest: 48.4%. Stockfish's first choice is also 4. c4.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Variations (1)
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Scandinavian Defense: Richter Variation (B01)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/scandinavian-defense-richter-variation