Scotch Game Classical Potter Romanishin Variation

Scotch Game

Definition

The Scotch Game is an open chess opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4. White immediately challenges the centre, aiming to exchange the d-pawn for Black’s e-pawn and obtain rapid piece activity. The opening is catalogued in ECO as C44–C45.

How it is Used

• Favoured by players who enjoy open positions with clear, tactical possibilities.
• Often employed as a surprise weapon: although sound, it appears less frequently at the very top level than the Ruy Lopez or the Italian Game.
• Seen in all time-controls, from classical events to blitz and bullet.

Strategic and Historical Significance

The Scotch Game was fashionable in the early 19th century, a favourite of masters such as Howard Staunton. It fell out of use until Garry Kasparov resuscitated it in his 1990 World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov, demonstrating that modern preparation could breathe new life into older, seemingly innocuous openings.

Illustrative Example

One of the most famous modern Scotch encounters is the following fragment from Kasparov – Karpov, WCh (18), Lyon 1990:

Kasparov’s energetic handling led to an eventual victory and helped swing the match momentum.

Interesting Facts

• The name “Scotch” dates back to a correspondence match played in 1824 between the cities of Edinburgh and London.
• Magnus Carlsen used the Scotch Game in his 2021 World Championship match preparation, although it never appeared on the board.

Classical Variation of the Scotch Game

Definition

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4, Black plays 4…Bc5, developing the bishop to an active diagonal and immediately putting pressure on the f2-square. This branching point is known as the Classical Variation.

Usage in Play

The move 4…Bc5 sets a direct tactical tone:

• Black leaves the d4-knight pinned to potential …Bxf2+ tricks.
• White must decide whether to hold the centre, chase the bishop, or retreat the knight. The main options are 5. Be3, 5. Nb3 (Potter), and 5. Nxc6 (Intermezzo).

Strategic Themes

1. Both sides race to complete development—tempo is crucial.
2. Control of the d4 & e5 squares often dictates the middlegame plans.
3. If Black can castle quickly, the bishop pair may become a long-term asset.

Example Game

Gata Kamsky – Garry Kasparov, Linares 1993:

Kasparov’s 4…Bc5 held up under pressure and he drew an instructive endgame a pawn down.

Anecdote

Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, recommended the Classical Variation for Black, observing that “the active bishop needs no pawns in front of it, only targets.”

Potter Variation (5. Nb3)

Definition

Within the Classical Variation, the Potter Variation arises after 5. Nb3. The knight retreats to b3, avoiding exchanges and preparing to buttress the central pawn with c2-c3 while keeping an eye on the a5 and c5 squares.

Why Players Choose It

• Maintains material balance and keeps pieces on the board.
• Places the knight on a flexible square—it can reroute via d2 or a5.
• Sidesteps heavily analysed 5. Be3 main lines.

Typical Continuation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Nb3 Bb6

Plans and Ideas

1. White often reinforces the centre with 6. c4 or 6. Nc3 (the Romanishin Variation).
2. Black may aim for …Qf6, …Nge7, and …0-0, exploiting the half-open f-file.

Illustrative Miniature

Potter himself tried the line in London 1875, scoring a swift win when his opponent underestimated the latent kingside pressure.

Trivia

The variation is named after the English master William Norwood Potter, a colourful 19th-century journalist who once wore a silk top hat to the board “to steady his calculating powers.”

Romanishin Variation (6. Nc3)

Definition

Following the Potter line 5. Nb3 Bb6, the Romanishin Variation is characterised by the developing move 6. Nc3. The Ukrainian Grandmaster Oleg Romanishin pioneered this plan in the 1970s, showing that rapid development and queenside castling give White a dangerous initiative.

Strategic Motifs

• The knight on c3 supports d5 breaks and reinforces the centre.
• White often follows with 7. Qe2, 8. Be3, and long castling, teeing up a pawn storm on the kingside.
• Black must decide between solid setups with …d6 & …Nf6 or the more combative …Qf6 & …Nge7.

Classic Game Reference

Romanishin – Uhlmann, Hastings 1976:

Romanishin’s energetic 13. f3 followed by g2-g4 showcased the attacking potential of the variation and ended in a sparkling queenside-versus-kingside race that White ultimately won.

Interesting Facts

• Oleg Romanishin’s experimental style inspired a generation of Soviet players to revisit “forgotten” openings, leading to a wider modern repertoire.
• The line fits particularly well in rapid chess, where forcing central breaks can catch an unprepared opponent off guard.