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Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4/3...exd4/4. Nxd4

Scotch Game, main line
a
b
c
d
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f
g
h
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
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5
4
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1
a
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4

4. Nxd4 · Scotch Game

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Black has now an opportunity to take the initiative that should not be wasted.

4...Bc5 (Classical Variation) attacks White's central knight on d4 and forces White to either move it or protect it. Black should expect replies like Be3, Nxc6, or Nb3.
4...Nf6 (Schmidt Variation) is a common alternative. Black puts immediate attacking pressure on White's pawn on e4.
4...Qh4 (Steinitz Variation) is more aggressive. Black immediately attempts to win White's e-pawn outright and indeed can practically win it by force. However, doing so costs time and White is thought to get more than enough compensation after 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Be2 Qxe4 7.Nb5 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 Kd8 9.0-0.

Theory table

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.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4

4
Classical Variation ...
Bc5
=
Schmidt Variation ...
Nf6
=
Steinitz Variation ...
Qh4
=

References

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v · t · e
Chess Opening Theory
1. e4 e5
Open game
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
  • Four knights ( )
  • Italian game ( )
  • Spanish game ( )

With other 2nd moves:

2. Other
1. e4 c5
Sicilian defence
1. e4 ...other: