Starting Out: The Scandinavian

Jovanka Houska

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.

One further attraction is that it can lead to both tactical and positional play - there is something to suit all styles of player.

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 as Black or facing it with White.

· Written by a Scandinavian expert
· All the lines are covered
· Ideal for improvers, club players and tournament players.

In 2006 Jovanka Houska won the English Chess Federation Player of the Year award, the first time a female chess player had received this prestigious recognition.

Highlights of her career so far include representing England at numerous Chess Olympiads and qualifying for the 2006 Women's World Championship.

Index of variations:

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5

1 Introduction to 2...Qxd5
2 The Main Line: Shirov’s 8 Nd5
3 Qe2 and Ne4 Lines
4 Ne5 Lines
5 Modern Move Orders
6 Fourth Move Alternatives for White
7 3...Qd6: Introduction and Main Lines
8 3...Qd6: Sixth Move Alternatives
9 3...Qd6: Fifth Move Alternatives
10 Third Move Alternatives

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6
11 Introduction to 2...Nf6
12 The Fianchetto Variation
13 The 4...Bg4 Variation
14 The Portuguese Variation
15 3 c4 and 3 Bb5+
16 Unusual Lines