Scandinavian Defense: Bronstein Variation (B01)

The Bronstein Variation is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense, catalogued as ECO B01. The line runs 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd6 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 a6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White 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: Bronstein Variation — position after a6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd6 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 a6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4d5
2exd5Qxd5
3Nc3Qd6
4d4Nf6
5Nf3a6

ECO: B01

Stockfish: +0.71 at depth 18

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Related Scandinavian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Bronstein Variation?

The Bronstein Variation goes 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd6 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 a6. It is a variation of the Scandinavian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B01.

What is the ECO code for the Bronstein Variation?

The Bronstein Variation is ECO B01. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Scandinavian Defense.

Is the Bronstein Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qd6 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 a6 at +0.71 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 Bronstein Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.