Scotch GameC44

Lolli Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 Nxd4 4. Nxd4 exd4 5. Qxd4

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

The early 3...Nxd4 gives up the c6-knight's control of d4. After Nxd4 exd4 Qxd4, White has recovered the pawn with a healthy center. Develop Nc3 and Bf4, castle, then use e5 to gain time against Nf6.

Black's plan

Black simplified without equalizing. Attack the d4-queen with ...Nf6 or ...c5, develop ...Be7 and castle before opening the center further. Another queen chase is justified only when it develops a piece or prepares ...d5.

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.
4. Nxd4Nxd4 captures the knight.
... exd4exd4 captures the knight, occupies the center.
5. Qxd4Qxd4 captures a pawn.

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Other major variations

The complete Scotch Game guide See all 53 variations in the branch map