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
Content:
005 Bibliography
007 Preface
1 e4 d5 2 exd5 Qxd5
009 1 Introduction to 2...Qxd5
019 2 The Main Line: Shirov's 8 Nd5
048 3 Qe2 and Ne4 Lines
080 4 Ne5 Lines
100 5 Modern Move Orders
122 6 Fourth Move Alternatives for White
141 7 3...Qd6: Introduction and Main Lines
166 8 3...Qd6: Sixth Move Alternatives
186 9 3...Qd6: Fifth Move Alternatives
209 10 Third Move Alternatives
1 e4 d5 2 exd5 Nf6
224 11 Introduction to 2...Nf6
229 12 The Fianchetto Variation
257 13 The 4...Bg4 Variation
274 14 The Portuguese Variation
291 15 3 c4 and 3 Bb5+
303 16 Unusual Lines
310 Index of Variations
318 Index of Games | 
