Chess Openings Lab
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Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer

The Panov Transfer is 2...Nf6 3.c4 c6, where Black answers White's attempt to hold d5 by offering the c-pawn. White decides between grabbing a second pawn and steering into a Panov-style center with d4, while Black wants quick development or an easy recapture on d5.

Moves
1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.c4 c6
ECO
B01
Engine
+0.23 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
3,113 games in our lichess sample
White scores
45.8%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • Play d4 next, as in the top engine line, and after ...cxd5 develop with Nc3 and Nf3 into a Caro-Kann Panov structure.
  • After ...e6 and ...Bb4, pin-breaking ideas matter: keep Nc3 protected and be ready for cxd5 to clarify the center.
  • Taking with dxc6 is possible, but after ...Nxc6 Black gets fast development and pressure on d4 and the long diagonal.
  • If the game reaches an isolated d4 pawn, use it to support a knight on e5 and a kingside attack.

Black

  • Recapture on d5 with ...cxd5 once White plays d4, then add ...e6 and ...Bb4 to pin the knight on c3.
  • If White takes with dxc6, answer ...Nxc6 and use the lead in development against the d-pawn and the c-file.
  • After cxd5, choose between ...exd5 for symmetrical isolated pawns and ...Nxd5 to blockade White's isolated d4 pawn.
  • Keep the f6 knight ready for d5, the ideal blockading square in front of an isolated pawn.

Plans and pawn structure

With 4.d4 cxd5 the game turns into a Panov Attack type position. After Nc3, Nf3 and an eventual cxd5, the d-file pawns define the plans. If Black recaptures with ...Nxd5, White has an isolated d4 pawn and attacks with Bd3, castling and a knight on e5, while Black trades pieces and blockades on d5. If Black takes with ...exd5, both sides have an isolated d-pawn, and the fight becomes about which pawn is weaker and who controls e5 and e4.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.23: level. Its three top choices for White:

  1. +0.23 4.d4 cxd5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nf3 Bb4
  2. +0.15 4.Nf3 cxd5 5.d4 e6 6.Nc3 Bb4
  3. +0.15 4.Nc3 cxd5 5.d4 e6 6.Nf3 Bb4

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

3,113 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 45.8%.

under 120047.2%
1200–159944.8%
1600–199946.3%
2000 and up44.9%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

How to play against it

As White, play 4.d4 and let Black take on d5. You get a healthy Panov-type game with an easy plan. Do not hang on to the d5 pawn with tricks like Qa4 or b3, which slow your development while Black catches up and wins the pawn anyway.

Questions

What are the moves of the Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer?

The Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer starts 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.c4 c6. Its ECO code is B01.

Is the Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer good for Black?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.23 at depth 20, which is level. In 3,113 lichess games from our sample, White scored 45.8%. A good transfer for Black players who know Caro-Kann Panov structures, and a calm choice for White players happy to play against or with an isolated pawn.

What is the main idea of the Scandinavian Defense: Panov Transfer?

Black gives up the idea of a simple recapture and hits d5 with ...c6. White usually returns to a Panov Attack setup with d4, Nc3 and Nf3, and the middlegame revolves around isolated d-pawns.

What should White play next?

The engine's first choice is d4, with Nf3 and Nc3 close behind. 4.d4 lets Black win back d5 with ...cxd5 and gets White a well-known Panov center with free development.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.