Scotch Game

The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) opens the centre immediately. White strikes in the centre on move three, instead of 3.Bb5 of the Ruy Lopez, and aims to dominate it by exchanging the d-pawn for Black's e-pawn.

Origins

The opening was first mentioned by Ercole del Rio in his treatise of 1750. It takes its name from a correspondence match between Edinburgh and London in 1824. It was common in the 19th century, but by 1900 it had declined, because it was thought to release the central tension too early. In the late 20th century Garry Kasparov led its revival, arguing that it caused Black lasting strategic problems while avoiding the heavily analysed Ruy Lopez. Jan Timman and Sergei Rublevsky have also been among its supporters.

The idea

Black usually answers 3...exd4, as there is no good way to keep the pawn on e5, and the main line is 4.Nxd4. A common pattern is the exchange Nxc6 bxc6, which gives Black doubled pawns. Black's two best-regarded replies, 4...Bc5 and 4...Nf6, are seen as offering good chances for an equal game.

Main lines

• Schmidt Variation 4...Nf6: after 5.Nxc6 bxc6 the most common move is 6.e5, the Mieses Variation, a sharp line considered arguably the most testing of the Scotch.
• Classical Variation 4...Bc5: Black attacks the d4-knight. White continues with 5.Nxc6, 5.Be3 or the Potter Variation 5.Nb3.
• Steinitz Variation 4...Qh4: Black almost wins a pawn by force, but White gets a lead in development and attacking chances.
• Gambit lines: the Scotch Gambit 4.Bc4, often transposing to the Two Knights Defense, and the Göring Gambit 4.c3, which sacrifices a pawn for rapid development.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Much less theory than the Ruy Lopez, with clear plans and open positions.
• Avoids the Berlin, the Marshall and other solid Black setups against 3.Bb5.
• Easy to understand: central space, development and the e5-push.

Weaknesses

• Releasing the central tension early gives Black easy development. Accurate defence equalises.
• Some lines lead to simplified, equal positions.
• After Nxc6 bxc6 Black gets the half-open b-file to make up for the doubled pawns.

Who should play it

The Scotch suits players who want an active, open game against 1...e5 without memorising the Ruy Lopez. It is effective against opponents who play the Berlin or the Petrov and want slow positions, because it forces them into a direct fight. It is less effective against players who know the Schmidt or Classical lines well and are happy with a solid, equal middlegame.

The numbers

On Lichess White wins 52–53% and Black 42–43% below 2200. Above 2200 White's lead is smaller, 49% against 44%. In master games over the board, White wins 30%, Black 25% and 46% are drawn.