The Scandinavian Defence, move by move

Black hits e4 on move one. Simple to learn, with clear plans for both sides. You play Black. Opening code B01.

1. 1. e4 White takes the centre.
2. 1… d5 Black attacks e4 straight away.
3. 2. exd5 White takes.
4. 2… Qxd5 The queen recaptures. Early queen moves are usually bad, but here she has a safe square ready.
5. 3. Nc3 White develops with tempo, attacking the queen.
6. 3… Qa5 The queen steps to a5, out of the way and pinning the knight on c3.
7. 4. d4 White takes the centre.
8. 4… Nf6 Develops and controls e4.
9. 5. Nf3 White develops.
10. 5… c6 Gives the queen a retreat on c7 and keeps White's pieces off b5 and d5.
11. 6. Bc4 White develops toward f7.
12. 6… Bf5 Black's bishop comes out before e6. Next: e6, a minor piece to d7 and castle.

The plan from here

Bring the queen to a safe square, develop quickly with Nf6, c6, Bf5 and e6, and castle.