Unorthodox hybrid chess system: mixing the French and Scandinavian defences!

This is an aggressive, counter-attacking line for Black in the French Exchange, after 1.e4 e6, 2.d4 d5, 3 exd, Qxd5!? — a mix of French and Scandinavian ideas. In the game, the system is used to good effect against a much, much stronger opponent.

The usual moves include b6/Bb7/c6 with Qc7/Bd6 and Nbd7/Nf6 intending 0-0-0. The basic idea is to fianchetto Black’s light-square bishop and, when White captures on f6, accept double-pawns on the f-file — and use the g-file for Black’s heavy pieces.

This is far from a foolproof system but, if White underestimates the position, Black gets double batteries of Qc7/Bd6 plus 2 rooks on the g-file. If you’re looking for dynamic counter-play as Black, give it a whirl; it’s a lot of fun