Leaving f2 undefended
...Bc5 and ...Qf6 or ...Qh4 aim at f2. Cover it before going after Black’s pieces.
Opening guide · White, 1.e4 e5
How to play the Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
The Scotch opens the centre on move three. After 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4, White has a free hand with the pieces and avoids the slow manoeuvring of the Ruy Lopez.
- Lines to play
- 5
- Quiz positions
- 6
Learn the Scotch Game move by move
You play White. Each move is explained before you play it, with an arrow on the board; then you play the line from memory. When the course has more than one good move, every one of them counts.
Key ideas
Open the centre at once
- 3.d4 asks Black to give up e5. After 4.Nxd4 White has a pawn on e4 against none and easy development.
The knight on d4 is a target
- ...Bc5, ...Qf6 or ...Nf6 attack it. Nb3 or Nxc6 settle the question before Black gains time.
Damage the queenside
- Nxc6 and e5 after ...Nf6 leave Black with doubled c-pawns. White plays on the weaker pawns.
Watch f2
- With a bishop on c5 or b6, Black aims at f2. Qe2, Be3 and quick castling cover it.
The main lines
Classical: 4...Bc5 5.Nb3
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nb3 Bb6 6.Qe2 Nge7
White chases the bishop and covers f2 with Qe2.
Schmidt: 4...Nf6 5.Nxc6
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Nc3 Bb4
White exchanges on c6 and develops before Black’s pawns get going.
Steinitz: 4...Qh4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Be2 Qxe4
The queen raid hits e4; Nc3 and development answer it.
4...Nxd4 5.Qxd4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nxd4 5.Qxd4 Nf6 6.e5 Qe7
Black trades knights; White’s queen is centralised and e5 comes with tempo.
3...d6
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 d6 4.Bb5 Bd7 5.Bxc6 Bxc6 6.Nc3 exd4
Black holds e5; Bb5 and Nc3 build pressure.
Find the move
6 positions from the main lines, each with its idea. Your first try counts.
Position 1 of 6
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
The ideaOpen the centre.
Find the move for White.
Common mistakes
Overextending with e5
e5 is strong when it gains time on a knight. Pushed too early it becomes a target.
Allowing ...d5 for free
Black’s main freeing break is ...d5. Keep pieces on d4, e4 and c3 ready to meet it.
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the Scotch Game?
Play it, one move at a time. The trainer on this page explains each White move before you play it, then asks you to play the line from memory. Read the main lines and traps, test yourself in the quiz, then play it in your games. The Highlander Scotch teaches every line, with spaced review so the moves stay with you.
Is the Scotch Game good for beginners?
Yes. The centre opens early and the plans are concrete: develop fast, castle and attack the weaknesses Black creates when chasing the d4 knight.
What is the difference between the Scotch Game and the Scotch Gambit?
In the Scotch Game White recaptures 4.Nxd4. In the Scotch Gambit White plays 4.Bc4 instead and leaves the pawn for faster development.
How does Black usually answer the Scotch?
4...Bc5 and 4...Nf6 are the main replies. Both develop with a threat against the d4 knight or the e4 pawn.
Learn every line of the Scotch Game
The Highlander Scotch teaches it as a repertoire: 40 lines, a note on every move read aloud, and spaced review so the moves stay with you. The first line is free.
A free account also reviews your games and shows where you left the lines. Sign up