Scotch Game Schmidt Tartakower Variation
Scotch Game, Schmidt–Tartakower Variation
Definition
The Scotch Game, Schmidt–Tartakower Variation is a forcing sequence beginning with the moves
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- d4 exd4
- Nxd4 Qh4 (Schmidt Variation)
- Nc3 Bb4 (Tartakower Variation)
Typical Move Order & Branches
The main tabiya usually continues:
Key alternatives for White on move 6 instead of 6.Be2 include 6.Qd3 and 6.Nb5, each aiming to blunt the pressure on e4 while gaining tempi on Black’s queen.
Strategic Themes
- Early Queen Activity: Black’s 4…Qh4 simultaneously attacks e4 and g2. If White fails to gain time on the queen, Black may simply pick off pawns.
- Development Race: Both sides race to mobilize pieces; un-castled kings and open central files make initiative paramount.
- Structural Imbalances: Black often accepts doubled c-pawns (after …Bxc3+) in exchange for the bishop pair and active piece play.
- Tactical Motifs: Forks on c7/c8, pins along the e-file, and discovered attacks on Black’s queen frequently arise. Accurate calculation is critical.
Historical Background
• 4…Qh4 was championed by German master Franz Schmidt in the late 19th century, hence the “Schmidt Variation.”
• The follow-up 5…Bb4 was refined by Savielly Tartakower, the witty Polish-French grandmaster, and first appeared in his games circa 1910. Tartakower’s willingness to steer the game into double-edged complications made the line a perfect practical weapon for him.
• Although never the main line of the Scotch, the variation has periodically been revived by attacking players such as Kasparov (training games) and rapid-time-control specialists seeking surprise value.
Illustrative Games
- Tartakower – Atkins, London 1922 – The line’s namesake plays it from the White side, punishing Black’s inaccurate queen retreat with a swift kingside attack.
- Short – Kasparov, Brussels Blitz 1988 – Kasparov uncorks a novelty on move 9, showing how Black can sacrifice material for long-term pressure on the light squares.
- Carlsen – Gelfand, Tal Memorial Rapid 2012 – Demonstrates a modern, positional treatment where Carlsen calmly neutralizes the queen incursion and wins in the ensuing endgame.
Plans for Each Side
- White
- Gain tempi by harassing the queen (Nc3, Nb5, Qd3).
- Castle quickly (often 6.Be2 7.O-O) and open the e-file with Re1.
- Exploit weak dark squares c7, d6 and potential back-rank issues.
- Black
- Maintain pressure on e4/g2; if possible, grab the e-pawn with …Qxe4.
- Exchange on c3 to damage White’s pawn structure and unleash the bishop pair.
- Delay castling; often the king finds safety on f8 after …Kg8-h7 depending on the situation.
Practical Considerations
• Surprise Weapon: Because most Scotch specialists expect 4…Nf6 or 4…Bc5, the queen move can take opponents out of their preparation.
• Time-Control Sensitivity: Blitz and rapid games often accentuate the variation’s potency; one misstep around move 10 can decide the game.
• Engine Evaluation: Modern engines give White a small plus (≈+0.4) with best play, but only if the critical tactical shots are found over the board.
Trivia & Anecdotes
- Tartakower reportedly quipped, “The refutation of any gambit lies in its acceptance,” yet here he created a line where Black grabs material—leaving White to prove compensation.
- In the 1997 Kasparov vs. Deep Blue match, the world champion briefly considered the Schmidt Variation for a surprise, but rejected it after spotting a computer-precise drawing line beginning with 6.Qd3!.
- Because the queen gallivants so early, club players sometimes nickname the line “The Queen’s Stroll.” One wrong step, however, and the stroll turns into a walk of shame back to h4-e7-d8.