Tree path 7 levels King's Pawn Game › King's Knight Opening › Normal Variation › Scotch Game › Scotch Game › Scotch Game › Malaniuk Variation
C45

Scotch Game: Malaniuk Variation

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Overview

Scotch Game: Malaniuk Variation is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C45), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Open Games group covers open games — classical 1.e4 e5 openings where both sides contest the centre directly with pawns.

Play reaches this position via 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bb4+, after 8 plies of opening development.

The line refines Scotch Game, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
C45
Group
Open Games (C)
Plies
8
Parent
Scotch Game

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

287,571 games · White 48.0% / Draw 5.5% / Black 46.6%

MovesGamesW / D / B
c3253,532
Nc320,685
Bd213,161
Nd2114
Qd254
Ke225

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:52:13

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