Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Anderssen Attack

Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Anderssen Attack

Definition

The Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Anderssen Attack is a sharp and romantic-era line that arises after the moves:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d4 exd4 5. O-O Nf6 6. e5 d5

White sacrifices a pawn, and sometimes even more material, to seize the initiative, open lines toward the f7-square, and keep Black’s king in the centre. The continuation 7.exf6 dxc4 is the traditional main line in which both sides must walk a tactical tightrope.

Typical Move Order

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. d4 exd4
5. O-O Nf6
6. e5 d5
7. exf6 dxc4

Strategic & Tactical Ideas

• Rapid development: White is already castled on move 5 and can bring the rook to e1 with tempo.
• Pressure on f7: The bishop on c4, the knight that often leaps to g5, and the rook on e1 (sometimes queen to h5 or f3) converge on the weakest point in Black’s camp.
• Material imbalance: After 7…dxc4 White has two pawns for a piece, but Black’s extra minor piece is undeveloped and his king is exposed.
• King safety vs. material: Classic gambit psychology—White wants to keep lines open; Black aims to consolidate and return material only when necessary.

Historical Context

The line is named for 19-century German master Adolf Anderssen, whose spectacular sacrifices popularised this attacking scheme. During the “Romantic Era” (roughly 1840–1880) it was a frequent guest in master play, before more solid defences pushed it to the sidelines. Today it remains a surprise weapon—especially potent in rapid and blitz games.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short sample shows the main thematic ideas (pawn sacrifice, quick castling, and pressure along the e-file). It is not a historical game—just a clean demonstration line that ends before either side lands a decisive blow.

Key Tactical Motifs

• Bxf7⁺ sacrifice: If Black is careless, the classic bishop smash on f7 followed by a knight fork can appear.
• Rxe6 tactics: Because Black’s king often lingers in the centre and his queen or bishop sits on e6, the e-file pins are ever-present.
• Queen swings: Qh5, Qf3, or even Qe2 can join the attack at lightning speed, threatening mate on f7 or discovered checks.

Modern Usage

Although rare in elite classical chess, the Anderssen Attack receives healthy respect in faster time controls. Players such as Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi have wheeled it out online to catch opponents off guard. Engines now show that Black can equalise with precise defence (6…d5! being critical), but over-the-board accuracy is far harder than a computer evaluation bar suggests.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The ECO classification is C50, a “bucket” code that also covers the Giuoco Piano and numerous Italian sidelines—so Anderssen Attack theory is often hidden in general Italian-Game manuals.
• In Garry Kasparov’s preparation for his 1997 rematch with Deep Blue, some analysts recommended Scotch-Gambit ideas (including 6.e5) to complicate the computer’s horizon. Kasparov ultimately rejected it, but the line’s inclusion shows its enduring practical value.
• The famous “Opera Game” (Anderssen – Morphy, Paris 1858) is actually an Evans Gambit, yet features many of the same motifs—quick castling, rook lifts, and sacrifices on f7—underlining Anderssen’s lasting stylistic influence.