Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
An opening for White
Open the centre immediately and fight for it on move three.
Show me the opening
0 / 5 moves
The idea
White challenges the centre with d4 right away, leading to open, tactical positions where pieces become active quickly. Kasparov famously revived it at the highest level.
The plan
After the exchange on d4, White recaptures with the knight and aims for active piece play. The bishop often goes to c4 or b5, and White looks for a fast kingside attack.
What to play next
After trading on c6, push e5 to gain space and attack the knight. Black's queen goes to e7 to defend, and the knight retreats to d5. White follows up with Qe2 to keep the pressure and develop naturally with Nd2, Bc4, and castling.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 14 moves
One tip for beginners
After 3...exd4 4.Nxd4, be ready for ...Nf6 attacking the e4 pawn - support it with Nc3 and develop quickly.
What to watch out for
Don't get lured into the Scotch Gambit (4.Bc4 without recapturing) unless you've studied it - Black can equalise easily if you're unprepared.
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