Scotch Game Schmidt Variation
Scotch Game — Schmidt Variation
Definition
The Schmidt Variation is a branch of the Scotch Game that arises after the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Qe7.
Technically, the sequence 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 is called the Mieses line; the specific reply 6…Qe7 (instead of 6…Nd5 or 6…Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5) constitutes the Schmidt Variation, sometimes labelled the Goering-Schmidt line in older texts.
Move-order reference
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- d4 exd4
- Nxd4 Nf6
- Nxc6 bxc6
- e5 Qe7 (Schmidt Variation)
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s plan: hold the extra central pawn, keep a flexible pawn centre (c6–d7–e5), and complete development with …d6, …g6, …Bg7, and possibly …O-O-O. The queen on e7 buttresses the e5-pawn and prepares …d6 without allowing a pin on the f6-knight.
- White’s plan: exploit the slight lead in development and Black’s weak doubled pawns, often by:
- Targeting the c6-pawn (Rc3–c4, Qf3, Ba6 ideas).
- Playing c4 and Nc3 to seize space and clamp down on d5.
- Long-term pressure on the semi-open d- and e-files after exchanges.
- Piece placement themes:
- White queen frequently goes to e2 or f3.
- The king’s bishop can develop via g2 (after f4 & g3) or b5 (check) depending on Black’s setup.
- Black’s light-squared bishop is often fianchettoed to g7 to neutralise White’s centre.
Theory at a Glance
After 7.Qe2 (the main reply) Black has two principal schemes:
- 7…Nd5 8.c4 Ba6 9.b3 g6 — classical development with opposite-coloured bishops.
- 7…Nd5 8.c4 Ba6 9.Nd2 g6 10.Qe4 Nb6 — a more modern, prophylactic approach.
Historical Background
The line is named after the German theoretician Dr Wilhelm Schmidt, who in the late 1800s analysed the queen move to e7 as a method of stabilising Black’s centre. It gained practical relevance when it was adopted by the Austrian master Carl Schlechter, but only received widespread attention after Garry Kasparov used it sporadically in the late 1980s and early 1990s to surprise opponents expecting his beloved 4…Bc5 lines.
Model Game
Below is a concise miniature showing typical motifs. Notice how White pressures the c- and d-files while Black seeks counterplay on the kingside.
Tactical Motifs and Traps
- Pin on the e-file: If Black carelessly plays …d6 before …Qe7, White can pin the f6-knight with Bg5 and win the e-pawn.
- c-file overload: After Rc3-c4-e4 ideas, the pawn on c6 can become indefensible if Black castles queenside too soon.
- Fork tricks: The leap Nb5-c7+ sometimes picks up the a8-rook if Black omits …d6 and …Be7.
Interesting Facts
- The line appeared in the correspondence game Kasparov — World (1999), where the collective “World” team, advised by strong grandmasters, chose 6…Qe7 and held Kasparov to a draw.
- Despite engines giving White a microscopic edge, the variation enjoys an excellent score for Black in blitz and bullet time controls thanks to its solidity and the surprise factor.
- Many databases still lump 6…Qe7 together with 6…Nd5 under the umbrella name “Classical Variation.” Modern authors, however, reserve Schmidt exclusively for the queen move.
When to Play it
The Schmidt Variation is ideal for players who:
- Prefer a sound yet dynamic defence to 1.e4 without memorising the labyrinthine lines of the Ruy Lopez.
- Enjoy strategic manoeuvring and endgames arising from a solid central pawn mass.
- Like to sidestep the heavily analysed 4…Bc5 Scotch lines where White’s choices are more forcing.
With its mix of early queen deployment, flexible pawn structure, and rich middlegame prospects, the Scotch Game – Schmidt Variation remains a practical and strategically fascinating weapon for Black and a challenging test of technique for White.