Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d5/2. e5

2. e5

2. e5
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3pP3/8/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR b
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. e5
ECO code: B01
Parent: Scandinavian Defence
Responses: 2...c5 2...Bf5

While advancing the e-pawn to gain space looks somewhat natural, it is rarely seen by masters and never by players above 2500. Black has a number of ways to equalize quickly but the most common plan is to develop the light-squared bishop to f5 or g4 and then play e6. This results in a position similar to the French Defense, but where black's bishop is developed outside the pawn chain; therefore black is usually left with an improved French Defense. Black's most common move is to play 2...c5 making it awkward for white to continue 3. d4, and this move has scored very well for black. White may play d4 anyway and allow the trading of a center pawn for a wing pawn, or may prepare it with 3. c3, or may abandon d4 and play 3. f4. Less commonly black has played 2...Bf5 which also equalizes. More exotic tries include 2...d4!? with a complicated position and often an unusual pawn structure, and 2...e6?! allowing a transposition to the French Defense.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.

1. e4 d5 2. e5

2	3	4	5
‎ c5	c3 Nc6	d4 Bf5	Nf3 e6	=/+
‎ ...	f4 Nc6	Nf3 Bg4	Be2 e6	=/+
‎ ...	Nf3 Nc6	Bb5 Bg4	h3 Bxf3	=/+
‎ Bf5	d4 e6	Nf3 c5	c3 Nc6	=/+

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