Scotch Game (Theory, Variations, Lines)

The Scotch Game, also known as the Scotch Opening, is a common and historical chess opening characterized by specific initial moves and strategies that have been used for centuries.

The Scotch Game starts with the move order 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4, a sideline to the more well-trodden Ruy Lopez and Italian Game that commonly develops out of the King’s Pawn Opening, Open Game. 

This article looks into the details of the Scotch Game, covering its move order, theoretical strategies, variations, historical significance, its suitability for beginners or intermediates, and frequency of play at the grandmaster level.

Move Order of the Scotch Game

The Scotch Game commences with a series of three distinct moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4

This opening sequence aims for early pawn center control and quick piece development.

In response to the d4 advance, Black usually plays 3…exd4, as Black has no good way to sustain the pawn on e5.

Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Scotch Game

The primary goal of the Scotch Game for White is to assert control over the center by exchanging their d-pawn for Black’s e-pawn.

By doing so, White opens lines for their pieces and gains a slight advantage in development, which can be translated into early pressure on the opponent’s position.

After 3…d6, White stands better after 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Bc4, or they can choose to play 4.Bb5, when 4…exd4 5.Nxd4 Bd7 transposes into the Steinitz Defense in the Ruy Lopez.

Variations of the Scotch Game

There are numerous variations within the Scotch Game, each with its unique move order and tactical opportunities.

Some significant variations include the Classical Variation (4…Bc5), the Schmidt Variation (4…Nf6), and the Steinitz Variation (4…Qh4!?).

Other possible continuations involve gambits like the Scotch Gambit (4.Bc4) and the Göring Gambit (4.c3).

In short, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4, the most important continuations are:

• 4.Nxd4 (Main line)
  • 4…Bc5 (Classical Variation)
  • 4…Nf6 (Schmidt Variation)
  • 4…Qh4!? (Steinitz Variation)
  • 4…Qf6
  • 4…Nxd4?!
  • 4…Bb4+?!
• 4.Bc4 (Scotch Gambit)
• 4.c3 (Göring Gambit)
• 4.Bb5 (Relfsson Gambit)

Let’s look into them a bit more deeply.

Main Line: 4.Nxd4

In the main line after 4.Nxd4, black has two major options.

It can do either 4…Bc5 or 4…Nf6.

These offer black good chances for an equal game.

Classical Variation: 4…Bc5 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Classical Variation of the Scotch Game:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Bc5

• 5.Be3: This is the most common move. Black’s typical replies are 5…Qf6, 5…Bb6, and less frequently, 5…Nxd4 or 5…Bxd4. Black must avoid 5…Nf6?? and 5…d6? as these could lead to significant disadvantage. After 5…Qf6, play usually continues with 6.c3 Nge7, where White’s popular options are 7.Bc4 and 7.g3. Alexey Sokolsky’s 1940s analysis that 7…Ne5 followed by 8…Qg6 led to equality caused 7.Bc4 to lose popularity until its revival in the 1990s.
• 5.Nxc6: This is also a popular move, particularly after 5…Qf6 (the Intermezzo Variation). White can then either play 6.Qd2 or offer a queen exchange with 6.Qf3. This move isn’t as common at the top level, as it is unclear if White has any advantage after 5…Qf6.
• 5.Nb3 (Potter Variation): This variation has been revived with success by Vassily Ivanchuk and Magnus Carlsen. After 5.Nb3 Bb6, White can opt for either 6.Nc3 or 6.a4.
• 5.Nf5: This is a less common knight move which adds an aggressive touch to the game, aiming to potentially take advantage of the exposed black bishop on c5 or pressuring the d6 and g7 squares.

Keep in mind that each of these moves and their respective subvariations aim to take advantage of different imbalances in the position, and choosing the right one requires understanding the intricacies of each line and adapting to the specific situation on the board.

Schmidt Variation: 4…Nf6

The Schmidt Variation of the Scotch Game is characterized by the following moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Nf6

The Schmidt Variation of the Scotch Game is considered the strongest response by black by modern chess engines.

• 5.Nxc6 (Mieses Variation): White can opt for this move, capturing the knight and changing the pawn structure in the center of the board. After 5.Nxc6, black responds with bxc6. The subsequent move 6.e5 pressures Black’s knight, inducing a response from the queen with 6…Qe7. White then continues with 7.Qe2, followed by 8.c4, pressuring the knight again, now on d5.
• 5.Nc3 (Scotch Four Knights Game): In this alternative, White develops another knight. The most common continuation here is 5…Bb4, which pressures the developed knight and aims to disrupt White’s pawn structure. White then captures the knight on c6 with 6.Nxc6, leading to bxc6, changing the pawn structure again. Then the bishop on d3 is developed with 7.Bd3, followed by 5…d5. After the pawn exchange on d5 with 8.exd5, Black recaptures with cxd5. Both sides castle with 9.0-0 0-0, and White finally develops the bishop to g5 with 10.Bg5.

In both scenarios, real opening decisions are made beyond these lines, and these are highly situation-dependent and too specific for a broad overview.

Steinitz Variation: 4…Qh4!? 

The Steinitz Variation of the Scotch Game is initiated with the following moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Qh4!?

In this variation, Black’s fourth move, 4…Qh4!?, almost forces White to give up a pawn.

However, White compensates this material disadvantage with superior development and attacking opportunities.

A popular successful response from White has been observed to be the following line:

• 5.Nc3: White develops the knight to c3.
• 5…Bb4: Black pins the knight on c3 with the bishop.
• 6.Be2: White develops the bishop to e2 to prepare for castling and also possibly to attack the Black queen.
• 6…Qxe4: Black captures the pawn on e4 with the queen.
• 7.Nb5: White moves the knight to b5, with potential threats like a fork on c7.
• 7…Bxc3+: Black captures the knight on c3 with the bishop, forcing a check.
• 8.bxc3: White recaptures with the pawn on b2.
• 8…Kd8: Black moves the king to d8 to get out of check. This move also disconnects the rooks.
• 9.0-0: White castles.

In this line, despite Black’s material advantage, the awkward position of the Black king often proves more detrimental than the extra pawn, providing White with significant counterplay opportunities.

Scotch Gambit: 4.Bc4

The Scotch Gambit in the Scotch Game is a chess opening that starts with the following moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Bc4

Instead of capturing the pawn on d4 with 4.Nxd4, White can choose to play 4.Bc4, initiating the Scotch Gambit.

This is the line recommended by Grandmaster Lev Alburt in his book Chess Openings for White, Explained.

From here, Black has several options:

• 4…Nf6: This move transposes the game into the Two Knights Defense.
• 4…Bc5: Continuing in the Scotch Game spirit, Black develops the bishop to c5. White can then respond with 5.c3, setting up for a possible pawn recapture on d4 and also opening up lines for the queen and bishop. After 5…Nf6, the game transposes into a safer variation of the Giuoco Piano. Black can also choose to accept the gambit with 5…dxc3, but this is riskier because after 6.Bxf7+ Kxf7 7.Qd5+ and Qxc5, White gains a significant lead in development.

The Black response 4…Bb4+ to the Scotch Gambit is known as the London Defense.

In this line, Black immediately puts the white king in check by developing the bishop to b4.

This forces White to react, slowing down their early development and attack on the center.

Göring Gambit: 4.c3

The Göring Gambit is a variation of the Scotch Game that starts with the following moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. c3

In the Göring Gambit, White offers a pawn sacrifice with 4.c3.

The objective is to gain a lead in development and initiate an attack on Black’s f7 square using the bishop, queen, and potentially the knight, often with moves like Bc4, Qb3, and Ng5.

Another common idea for White is Nc3–d5.

The Göring Gambit is closely related to the Danish Gambit, and was first played at high levels by Howard Staunton in the 1840s.

Its introduction into master play is credited to Carl Theodor Göring in 1872.

If Black accepts the gambit with 4…dxc3, White has two main continuations:

• One-pawn gambit: 5.Nxc3: Here, White sacrifices only one pawn. Black’s most critical response is 5…Bb4. If Black accepts the gambit, White does not get enough compensation after 6.Bc4 d6 7.0-0 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Nf6.
• Double-pawn gambit: 5.Bc4 cxb2 6.Bxb2: Here, White offers a second pawn with 5.Bc4 cxb2 6.Bxb2, which can be more dangerous for Black. If Black refuses to take the second pawn, White can avoid Black’s most critical response to 5.Nxc3 (5…Bb4 6.Bc4 d6) and maintain more control over the game.

If Black decides to decline the gambit, there are several ways to do so:

• 4…d5: This move transposes to the Danish Gambit declined, and equalizes for Black. The critical line runs 5.exd5 Qxd5 6.cxd4 Bg4 7.Be2 Bb4+ 8.Nc3 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 Qc4.
• 4…Nf6: This move transposes to a line of the Ponziani Opening.
• 4…Nge7 intending 5…d5: This move is also an effective way to decline the gambit.
• 4…d3: This move allows White some advantage after 5.Bxd3 d6 6.Bf4 Be7 7.h3 Nf6 8.Nbd2 Bd7 9.Qc2.

Despite not being popular at the master level, the Göring Gambit is widely used in club-level chess.

Evaluation of the Scotch Game

The Scotch Game is generally evaluated at around +0.05 to +0.20 for white.

Theory & Continuation Lines of the Scotch Game

Below we have some common theory and continuation lines from the Scotch Game starting move order 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 that you would see at the highest level of play.

The best reply to the Scotch game for black is 3… exd4.

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 O-O 9. O-O cxd5 10. h3 Re8 11. Qf3 c6 12. Bf4 Qa5 13. Bd2 Qb6 14. Rae1 Be6 15. Qg3 Qd8 16. Bg5 Be7 17. Ne2 c5 18. Nf4 c4 19. Nxe6 fxe6 

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O d5 9. exd5 cxd5 10. h3 c6 11. Qf3 Bd6 12. Re1 Be6 13. Ne2 Re8 14. Bf4 Bxf4 15. Nxf4 Qd6 16. b3 Bd7 

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 O-O 9. O-O cxd5 10. h3 c6 11. Qf3 Bd6 12. Re1 Be6 13. Ne2 Re8 14. Nd4 Bd7 15. Bg5 Be5 16. c3 h6 17. Bf4 Bxf4 18. Rxe8+ Qxe8 

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 cxd5 9. Qe2+ Be7 10. O-O O-O 11. Re1 Re8 12. Bg5 Be6 13. Bb5 Bd7 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Qxe8+ Bxe8 16. Rxe8+ Qxe8 17. Bxe8 Rxe8 18. Nxd5 Bxb2 19. Rd1 Be5 20. Ne7+ Kf8 

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 d5 8. exd5 cxd5 9. O-O O-O 10. h3 c6 11. Qf3 Bd6 12. Re1 Be6 13. Bf4 Re8 14. Ne2 Bxf4 15. Nxf4 Qd6 16. b3 Bd7 17. c4 g6 18. cxd5 Rxe1+ 19. Rxe1 cxd5 20. Rd1 Rb8

3… exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O d5 9. exd5 cxd5 10. h3 c6 11. Qf3 Bd6 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bh4 Be6 14. Rad1 Be5 15. Qe3 Bb8 16. Ne2 Re8 17. Rfe1 Bd7 18. Qd2 Be5 19. c3 Qb6 

Magnus Carlsen shows how to play the Scotch opening

History of the Scotch Game

The Scotch Game’s history is steeped in the chronicles of chess.

It was first mentioned by Ercole del Rio in his 1750 treatise and gained its name from a correspondence match between Edinburgh and London in 1824.

The opening was popular in the 19th century, but by the 1900s, it was considered to release the central tension prematurely, allowing Black to equalize without difficulty.

In the late 20th century, grandmasters Garry Kasparov and Jan Timman revived the popularity of the Scotch Game, using it as an unexpected weapon to sidestep the heavily analyzed Ruy Lopez.

Is the Scotch Game Good for Beginners or Intermediates?

The Scotch Game is an excellent choice for both beginner and intermediate players due to its straightforward strategic plan and easy-to-learn patterns.

It allows for early piece development and central control, key principles that beginners are encouraged to follow.

For intermediate players, the many variations and tactical possibilities present an opportunity for deeper understanding and tactical acumen.

How Often Is the Scotch Game Played at the Grandmaster Level?

Despite its apparent simplicity, the Scotch Game is occasionally seen even at the highest levels of competitive chess.

It is a relatively solid opening that avoids the more theoretically explored Ruy Lopez opening.

It offers the opportunity for complex and rich middle-game positions that can result in dynamic and intricate endgames.

Some of the world’s top players, including former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, have employed it in their games, testament to the Scotch Game’s enduring relevance in modern chess.

FAQs – Scotch Game

1. What is the Scotch Game in chess?

The Scotch Game, also known as the Scotch Opening, is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4

The opening is named after a correspondence match in 1824 between Edinburgh and London.

The main idea for White is to dominate the center by exchanging their d-pawn for Black’s e-pawn.

2. What are the main variations of the Scotch Game?

Here are the main variations of the Scotch Game:

• 4.Nxd4 (Main line): This is the main line and the most common response, taking back the pawn that black captured.
  • 4…Bc5 (Classical Variation): The bishop’s move aims to put pressure on the knight at d4 and control the center of the board.
  • 4…Nf6 (Schmidt Variation): Black aims to rapidly develop pieces, also threatening the e4 pawn and hoping to induce a defensive move from White.
  • 4…Qh4!? (Steinitz Variation): An unusual move, looking to exploit White’s slightly underdeveloped kingside.
  • 4…Qf6: A less common move where Black’s queen targets the knight on d4, forcing White to make a defensive move.
  • 4…Nxd4?!: This move is often considered an inferior choice, as it doubles the pawns on the d-file for White, which can lead to an advantage in the endgame.
  • 4…Bb4+?!: This move seems aggressive as it gives a check, but it can also lead to some tempo loss if not handled properly.
• 4.Bc4 (Scotch Gambit): In the Scotch Gambit, White offers a pawn to Black for rapid development and control of the center. White hopes to utilize the open lines and the lead in development to launch an attack.
• 4.c3 (Göring Gambit): This move gambits a pawn to establish a strong pawn center with d4 and open up lines for piece development. If Black accepts the gambit, White will aim for quick development and an attack.
• 4.Bb5 (Relfsson Gambit): This less common gambit aims to disrupt Black’s piece coordination by putting pressure on the knight, potentially allowing the doubling of Black’s pawns after Bxc6.

3. Why did the Scotch Game lose favor among top players by 1900?

By 1900, the Scotch Game had lost favor among top players because it was thought to release the central tension too early and allow Black to equalize without difficulty.

However, in the 20th century, grandmasters Garry Kasparov and Jan Timman helped to re-popularize the Scotch when they used it as a surprise weapon to avoid the well-analyzed Ruy Lopez.

4. What is the main strategy for White in the Scotch Game?

White’s main strategy in the Scotch Game is to dominate the center by exchanging their d-pawn for Black’s e-pawn.

After 3…exd4, White usually plays 4.Nxd4, aiming to maintain control of the center and develop their pieces rapidly.

5. What are the main variations of the Scotch Game?

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4, the most important continuations are:

• 4.Nxd4 (Main line)
• 4.Bc4 (Scotch Gambit)
• 4.c3 (Göring Gambit)
• 4.Bb5 (Relfsson Gambit)

Each of these variations has its own unique strategies and tactics, and they can lead to a wide range of different types of positions.

6. What is the Scotch Gambit?

The Scotch Gambit is a variation of the Scotch Game that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4.

Instead of recapturing the pawn on d4 immediately, White develops their bishop to c4, offering a gambit.

If Black accepts, White can gain a lead in development and potentially launch a strong attack.

7. What is the Göring Gambit?

The Göring Gambit is a variation of the Scotch Game that starts with 4.c3.

White sacrifices one or two pawns in return for a lead in development and typically follows up by putting pressure on f7 with Bc4, Qb3, and sometimes Ng5, while Nc3–d5 is another common motif.

8. What is the main line of the Scotch Game?

The main line of the Scotch Game begins with 4.Nxd4. After this move, Black has two major options: 4…Bc5 or 4…Nf6.

Both moves offer Black good chances for an equal game.

9. What is the Classical Variation of the Scotch Game?

The Classical Variation of the Scotch Game occurs after 4…Bc5.

In response, White has several options, including 5.Nxc6, 5.Be3, or 5.Nb3. Each of these moves leads to different types of positions with their own unique strategies and tactics.

10. What is the Schmidt Variation of the Scotch Game?

The Schmidt Variation of the Scotch Game occurs after 4…Nf6. In response, White has two main options: 5.Nxc6 (the Mieses Variation) or 5.Nc3 (the Scotch Four Knights Game).

Both of these moves lead to different types of positions with their own unique strategies and tactics.

11. Who first mentioned the Scotch Game?

Ercole del Rio, in his 1750 treatise “Sopra il giuoco degli Scacchi, Osservazioni pratiche d’anonimo Autore Modenese” (“On the game of Chess, practical Observations by an anonymous Modenese Author”), was the first author to mention what is now called the Scotch Game.

Conclusion

In essence, the Scotch Game is a versatile and engaging chess opening that has been played and analyzed for centuries.

It provides players with an opportunity to develop their pieces quickly, control the center, and navigate through a variety of strategic and tactical possibilities.

Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or an intermediate player looking to deepen your understanding, the Scotch Game offers a rich canvas for learning and honing chess skills.