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Scotch Game (for White)
The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) opens the center on move three. Instead of maneuvering for a long time as in the Italian or the Ruy Lopez, White immediately challenges the e5 pawn: it is direct, easy to understand, and the theory stays light.
The principle
After 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4, White has a fine pawn on e4 and a central knight. The pieces come out freely: knight to c3, bishop to c4 or e3, castling, then a rook to the center. Black must attack that center before being squeezed.
The ideas
- White: develop quickly, keep the e4 pawn and use the lead in development to attack.
- Black: strike at the center with the d5 push, or target the d4 knight with the bishop on c5.
The main line: the Mieses Variation
4...Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5 8.c4 Ba6. White kicks the f6 knight with the e5 push and gains space; Black answers with active pieces and pressure on the c4 pawn.
Main variations
- Classical Variation: 4...Bc5 5.Nxc6 Qf6 6.Qd2 dxc6 7.Nc3. Black develops the bishop while hitting the d4 knight; White trades and brings the pieces out.
- Classical with the bishop on e3: 4...Bc5 5.Be3 Qf6 6.c3 Nge7 7.Bc4. White defends the d4 knight with the bishop and the c3 pawn, then develops calmly.
- Scotch Gambit: 3...exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Ne4 7.Nxd4. White first leaves the d4 pawn to develop the bishop toward f7.
Coach's advice
The Scotch is ideal for starting out with White: few moves to remember, a clear center and pieces that come out naturally. Remember the plan (center, development, castling) more than the exact moves. Click the colored moves to see each line, then ask me your questions.
Main line
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5 8.c4 Ba6