Tree path 9 levels King's Pawn Game › King's Knight Opening › Normal Variation › Scotch Game › Scotch Game › Scotch Game › Steinitz Variation › Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation › Scotch Game: Modern Defense
- Chess Codex
- King's Pawn Game C20
- King's Knight Opening C40
- Normal Variation C44
- Scotch Game C44
- Scotch Game C44
- Scotch Game C45
- Steinitz Variation C45
- Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation C45
- Scotch Game: Modern Defense C45 you are here
Scotch Game: Modern Defense
Overview
Scotch Game: Modern Defense 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.
The line arises from 10 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nc3 Bb4.
The line refines Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation, 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
- 10
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
323,154 games · White 44.2% / Draw 5.1% / Black 50.8%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Nxc6 | 97,939 | |
| Qd3 | 76,686 | |
| Be2 | 60,239 | |
| Nb5 | 36,969 | |
| Bd3 | 11,792 | |
| Be3 | 9,066 | |
| g3 | 5,696 | |
| Nf3 | 5,563 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:17:21
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Submissions are reviewed before publishing.