Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4/3...exd4/4. Nxd4
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
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| Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 | |
| ECO code: C45 | |
| Parent: Scotch game → 3...exd4 | |
4. Nxd4
[edit | edit source]Black has now an opportunity to take the initiative that should not be wasted.
4...Bc5, the classical variation, attacks White's central knight on d4 and forces White to either move it or protect it. Black should expect replies like 5. Be3, 5. Nxc6, or 5. Nb3.
4...Nf6, the Schmidt variation, is most common. Black puts immediate attacking pressure on White's pawn on e4. Rather than defend it with 5. Nc3 Bb4 (pinning knight) 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3, the main continuation is to trade off the knights and push it instead 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5.
4...Qh4, the Steinitz variation, is more aggressive. Black threatens White's e-pawn and wins it outright after 5. Nc3 Bb4 6. Be2 (6. Bd2?? to unpin the knight drops the knight on d4) Qxe4. However, doing so costs time and White is thought to get more than enough compensation. The line continues 7. Nb5 Bxc3+ 8. bxc3 Kd8 9. O-O.
Theory table
[edit | edit source]1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4
| 4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Classical Variation |
... Bc5 |
= |
| Schmidt Variation |
... Nf6 |
= |
| Steinitz Variation |
... Qh4 |
= |
References
[edit | edit source]- Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
With 2...g6:
With other 2nd moves for Black:
Dutch defence