Scotch GameC45

Steinitz Variation, Main Tactical Line

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Be2 Qxe4 7. Nb5 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Kd8 9. O-O Nf6

Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

The queen on h4 attacks e4 but loses time. Nc3 protects the center, Be2 breaks the ...Bb4 pin and prepares castling. If ...Qxe4, Nb5 exploits Black's slow development by targeting c7. After an exchange on c3, recapture with the b-pawn to open the b-file and secure your king quickly.

Black's plan

...Qh4 pressures e4 and ...Bb4 pins the c3-knight, but the queen can become a target. Black must win a central pawn or exchange on c3 before White castles. If the direct attack fades, develop ...Nf6 and get the king to safety immediately.

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.
... Qh4Qh4 pins an enemy piece against its king.
5. Nc3Nc3 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.
... Bb4Bb4 pins an enemy piece against its king, develops the bishop.
6. Be2Be2 develops the bishop.
... Qxe4Qxe4 captures a pawn, pins an enemy piece against its king.
7. Nb5Nb5 controls d4.
... Bxc3+Bxc3+ captures the knight, gives check.
8. bxc3bxc3 captures the bishop.
... Kd8Kd8 repositions the king.
9. O-OO-O castles short, tucking the king away and connecting the rooks.
... Nf6Nf6 develops the knight and controls e4 and d5.

Open on the interactive board

Other major variations

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