Scotch GameC44
Lolli Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 Nxd4
Open on the interactive boardEvery move explained, never a dead end.
Both sides plans
White's plan
The point of 3.d4 is not to win a pawn. You open the center while both kings are still there. After ...exd4, recapture with Nxd4, develop Nc3 and the c1-bishop, then castle. Your edge comes from space and active pieces, so avoid moving the queen repeatedly without a concrete reason.
Black's plan
Black should give up e5 with ...exd4, then attack the d4-knight with ...Nf6, ...Bc5 or ...Qf6. The goal is to complete development and play ...d5 to equalize. An early queen move is useful only when it creates a concrete threat against d4 or f2.
The line, move by move
- 1. e4e4 occupies the center.
- ... e5e5 occupies the center.
- 2. Nf3Nf3 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
- ... Nc6Nc6 develops the knight and controls d4 and e5.
- 3. d4d4 strikes at the center.
- ... Nxd4Nxd4 captures a pawn.