1. Introduction

The basis of our repertoire is 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6. Despite ignoring the basic opening rules by bringing out the queen early, the Scandinavian is considered to be an excellent counter opening. And, as the name of the DVD , Killer Scandinavian suggests, rather than aiming to equalize with Black, we are out for blood! In about 5 hours of tuition you’ll be presented a complete fighting repertoire for Black against 1.e4!

Content

We kick off with what I would consider the Main Line, as White’s setup with Nf3/Bc4/Bd2 seems natural and is most played. I do recommend to bring out the king’s bishop to b4 and be ready to give up the bishop for the knight on c3. In Chapter 1 the advantages for Black in such imbalanced positions will become clear. Opening the position for the bishop pair with a quick d4-d5 (Chapter 2) is tempting, but shouldn’t be problematic for Black anyway!

Chapter 1: 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Bb4 8.a3 general ideas & move-orders

Chapter 2: 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bd2 Bb4 8.a3 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 Qb6 10.d5!?

The idea Nf3-e5 is often seen in the Scandinavian and needs to be treated with precision. White has several ideas to exploit the vulnerable placement of the black queen (Ne5-c4) and light-squared bishop (advancing the g- and h-pawn). The good news is that once you withstand the storm White’s overextended kingside might actually backfire and cause more damage to White.

Chapter 3: 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Ne5 c6

Chapter 4: 5.Nf3 Bf5 6.Ne5 c6 7.Bc4 e6 8.g4

It’s time to have a look at the other critical developing moves 5.Bd2 and 5.Bc4, as White refrains from playing Nf3. Unfortunately, as will be explained, it’s not possible aiming for a transposition to the lines covered in chapter 1 & 2. Nevertheless I believe that after both White moves, 5…Bg4!? is a nice provocative move. In Chapter 5-7 all subtle move-orders and general middlegame ideas for Black will be discussed.

Chapter 5: 5.Bd2 Bg4 Intro

Chapter 6: 5.Bd2 Bg4 6.f3 Bd7

Chapter 7: 5.Bc4 Bg4

Many White players don’t like to face this opening, as Black aims to put pressure on White’s centre, and in particular the pawn on d4. Hence, you shouldn’t be surprised in case White decided to place his pawn on d4 and instead goes for 4.Bc4 and 5.d3. However, not grabbing space

In Chapter 9 you’ll be advised how to meet the gambit line 4.b4 and a good setup against White’s idea fiancheotting the king’s bishop.

Chapter 8: 4.Bc4 & 5.d3

Chapter 9: 4.b4 & 4.g3

With 3.Nf3 White doesn’t immediately challenge the black queen and aims to place his pawns on c4 and d4 before developing his queen’s knight to c3. However, in the mean time Black is recommended to complete his queenside development with 3…Bg4 4.Be2 Nc6 5.d4 0-0-0 when he is ready for the sharp fight in the centre to come! The ensuing positions are incredibly sharp and contain a lot of tactical ideas for Black.

Chapter 10: 3.Nf3 Bg4 Intro explaining setup and minor options for White

Chapter 11: 3.Nf3 Bg4 4.Be2 Nc6 5.d4 0-0-0 6.Be3

Chapter 12: 3.Nf3 Bg4 4.Be2 Nc6 5.d4 0-0-0 6.c4 Qf5 7.Be3

At last, it’s important to cover all the early deviations by White on move 2 and 3. It’s explained why White doesn’t want to play 3.d4, how to counter the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (2.d4) and the Van Geet opening (1.Nc3) which is reached by transposition after 2.Nc3.

Chapter 13: Move 3 Alternatives

Chapter 14: Move 2 Alternatives