Scotch Gambit

Play as WhiteGambit

Instead of recapturing at once, White develops with tempo and gets a lead in activity.

The main line, move by move

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. e5 d5 6. Bb5 Ne4 7. Nxd4

1. 1. e4 — Claim the center and open lines for the queen and bishop.
2. 1... e5 — Black claims the center too.
3. 2. Nf3 — Brings the knight into the game.
4. 2... Nc6 — Brings the knight into the game.
5. 3. d4 — Strike at the center. This time White does not recapture on d4 at once.
6. 3... exd4 — Takes the pawn on d4.
7. 4. Bc4 — Brings the bishop into the game.
8. 4... Nf6 — Brings the knight into the game.
9. 5. e5 — Gain space and attack the knight.
10. 5... d5 — Strike back at the bishop and the center.
11. 6. Bb5 — Pin the knight on c6 and keep up the pressure.
12. 6... Ne4 — Jump into the center: the knight is strong here.
13. 7. Nxd4 — Takes the pawn on d4.

Related openings

• King's Gambit
• Queen's Gambit
• Evans Gambit
• Danish Gambit
• Vienna Gambit

← All opening guides · Tactics guides