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Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4/3...exd4

Scotch game
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4
ECO code: C44
Parent: Scotch game

3...exd4

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Black takes the pawn the centre.

4... Nxd4, recapturing the pawn, is the mainline. White centralises their knight, supported by their queen. Black has a chance to take the initiative and develop with tempo, attacking White's centre with 4...Bc5 or 4...Nf6.

Alternatively, White can gambit the pawn and not recapture it:

4. Bc4 is the Scotch Gambit. White leaves the pawn in peace and tries to establish attacking pressure with a lead in development.

4. c3 is the Göring Gambit. Similar to the Danish gambit, White offers one or two further pawns to get a lead in development.

4. Ng5?! is a trap line, the idea being to sacrifice the knight on f7 to lure out Black's king. It is dubious and can be disarmed by best play, but offers White practical chances.

Theory table

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For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4

4
Main line Nxd4
-
=
Scotch Gambit Bc4
-
=
Göring Gambit c3
d5
=

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References

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v · t · e
Chess openings quick reference
1. e4
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
Four knights: ( )
Italian game: ( )
Spanish game: ( )

With other 2nd moves:
2. Other
1... other
1. d4
Flank
Unorthodox