Scotch GameC45

Scotch Game

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

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

The knight on d4 is strong but becomes the target of every black piece. Meet the pressure with useful development: Nc3, Be3 or Nxc6 depending on Black's setup. Once the center is stable, castle and use the open d-file. Do not attack f7 with only one or two pieces.

Black's plan

Black's position revolves around the d4-knight and e4-pawn. ...Bc5 adds pressure on d4, ...Nf6 attacks e4 and ...Qf6 can hit both d4 and f2. If White consolidates, exchange some pieces and free the c8-bishop with ...d5 or ...d6.

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.

Open on the interactive board

Other major variations

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