Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System (B01)

The Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense, catalogued as ECO B01. The line runs 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. Nf3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Scandinavian Defense generally: Black immediately challenges White's e4 pawn. Simple to learn but strategically deep.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Scandinavian Defense: Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System — position after Nf3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. Nf3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4d5
2exd5Qxd5
3Nc3Qa5
4d4e5
5Nf3

ECO: B01

Stockfish: +0.84 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Scandinavian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System?

The Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System goes 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. Nf3. It is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B01.

What is the ECO code for the Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System?

The Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System is ECO B01. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Scandinavian Defense.

Is the Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 e5 5. Nf3 at +0.84 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anderssen Counterattack, Goteborg System lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is Black to move.