Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation
The Gipslis Variation is 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4, where Black pins the f3 knight after regaining the pawn. White wants c4 to kick the d5 knight and gain space, while Black aims to hit d4 with ...e6 and ...Nc6.
- Moves
- 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4
- ECO
- B01
- Engine
- +0.84 · a clear edge for White (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 987 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 55.3%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Play 5.c4, the top engine move, kicking the knight, then Be2 and h3 to question the bishop.
- After 7.h3 Bxf3, recapture with 8.Bxf3 to keep the pawn structure intact and gain the bishop pair.
- The 5.Be2 setup castles first and pushes c4 later, after h3 has asked the bishop.
- In the 5.h3 line, Qxf3 and Qb3 hit b7 and keep Black busy on the queenside.
Black
- Retreat the knight to f6 or b6 after c4, keeping the pin on f3.
- Develop with ...e6 and ...Nc6 to attack the d4 pawn.
- Trade on f3 when it helps, since it removes a defender of d4.
- Castle short after ...Be7 and look for ...c5 or ...e5 breaks against d4.
Plans and pawn structure
White has a pawn on d4 and wants to add c4 for central space. Black pins the f3 knight and develops with ...e6, ...Nc6 and ...Be7, aiming at d4. If White plays h3, Black often trades on f3, giving White the bishop pair but removing a defender of d4. The middlegame revolves around the d4 pawn, with White using space and bishops and Black using active pieces and timely breaks.
Where the engine's main line heads: White pawn d4, no e-pawns for White, no d-pawn for Black. White has a pawn on d4 and no e-pawn; Black has no d-pawn. White has more central space; Black's pieces are free and the d4 pawn is a target.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.84: a clear edge for White. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.84 5.c4 Nf6 6.Be2 e6 7.h3 Bxf3
- +0.64 5.Be2 e6 6.O-O Nc6 7.h3 Bh5
- +0.45 5.h3 Bxf3 6.Qxf3 e6 7.Qb3 Nb6
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
987 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 55.3%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
How to play against it
As Black, keep hitting d4 and be ready to trade on f3. Do not leave the knight on d5 where c4 can hit it with tempo. As White, play c4 early, finish development with Be2 and castling, and use the bishop pair after the trade.
Questions
What are the moves of the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation?
The Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation starts 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Nxd5 4.Nf3 Bg4. Its ECO code is B01.
Is the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.84 at depth 20, which is a clear edge for White. In 987 lichess games from our sample, White scored 55.3%. A solid line for Black players who like pins and central pressure, while White gets easy space with c4.
What is the main idea of the Scandinavian Defense: Modern Variation, Gipslis Variation?
Black pins the f3 knight and builds pressure on d4 with ...e6 and ...Nc6. White gains space with c4, then often gets the bishop pair after h3 and a trade on f3.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is c4, with Be2 and h3 close behind. 5.c4 kicks the knight from d5 and gains central space.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.