Scotch Game
ECO C45 · Scotch Game · tactical · beginner
The Scotch Game (C45) is a tactical chess opening in the Scotch Game family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nb5 Bb4+ 6. Bd2. Direct alternative to the Spanish. Opens the center early for tactical play. Recommended for beginner players.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nb5 Bb4+ 6. Bd2
About this opening
The Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) opens the center at once: after 3...exd4 4.Nxd4, White enjoys easy development and clear play, away from the deep theory of the Ruy Lopez. The Mieses Variation, the Classical and the Scotch Gambit are its main paths. Garry Kasparov brought it back into fashion in the 1990s, notably against Karpov.