Scotch Game · C44
Main line, through 3. d4
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4
The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. d4 at move three trades the centre open immediately: development races and piece activity replace slow manoeuvring.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 53 in the Scotch Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.