Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...d5/2. exd5/2...Qxd5/3. Nc3

= Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotrč Variation, 3.Nc3 =

In this position, black queen is under attack and must find a safe square. There are several possibilities.
 * /3...Qa5/ is the most common. The queen cannot be attacked again, but she can pin the knight if White dares to advance his d-pawn and she can later move to b6 to target the b2 pawn.
 * /3...Qd6/ and /3...Qd8/ are less aggressive alternatives.
 * 3...Qe5+ and 3...Qe6+ check the king, inviting White to play 4. Be2 and weaken the g2 pawn.

Of course, Black cannot play 3... Qc6?? because of 4. Bb5, winning the Queen by pinning it to the king.

Theory table
.

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3