Scotch GameC45

Malaniuk Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bb4+

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

After ...Bb4+, c3 drives the bishop away without blocking the b1-knight. Be3 develops with tempo against a bishop on c5, then Nf5 occupies an outpost. The calm plan is c4, Bd3 and O-O: keep the space advantage and make ...d5 difficult.

Black's plan

The check ...Bb4+ forces a concession before Black chooses the bishop's square. Black seeks ...Bc5-b6, exchanges the bishop for the knight when useful, then plays ...d6, ...Nge7 and castles. The priority is to prepare ...d5 without allowing a permanent white knight on f5.

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.
... exd4exd4 captures a pawn, occupies the center.
4. Nxd4Nxd4 captures a pawn.
... Bb4+Bb4+ gives check, develops the bishop.

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Other major variations

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