Scotch Game Steinitz Braune Variation
Scotch Game, Steinitz Variation, Braune Variation
Definition
The Braune Variation is a sub-line of the Steinitz Variation in the Scotch Game. It arises after the moves
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- d4 exd4
- Nxd4 Qh4 (Steinitz Variation – Black immediately attacks the e-pawn)
- Nb5 Qxe4+
- Be2 Kd8 (Braune Variation – Black keeps the extra pawn but tucks the king on d8)
Usage in Play
The line is a surprise weapon more than a mainstay of elite repertoire. It is chosen by players who
- enjoy dynamic, asymmetrical positions,
- are willing to accept a long-term positional handicap (the misplaced king),
- count on precise calculation to neutralize White’s initiative.
At club level it can be effective because many White players do not know the critical continuations after 6…Kd8.
Strategic and Tactical Themes
- Material vs. Initiative: Black is a pawn up but badly behind in development. White’s task is to open the position before Black consolidates.
- King Safety: Black’s king on d8 interferes with the coordination of rooks and often blocks the natural …d7–d6 break.
- The c7-square: White’s Nb5 and later Nc3–d5 ideas continually eye a fork on c7.
- Piece Activity: White normally plays 7.0-0, 8.N1c3, and 9.Re1 with quick central pressure, while Black aims for …Bb4, …Nf6, and …Re8 to trade pieces and return the king to c8 or e8.
- Endgame Considerations: If Black survives the middlegame and untangles, the extra pawn often decides in the ending.
Historical Background
Wilhelm Steinitz introduced 4…Qh4 in casual games during the 1860s. The branch with 6…Kd8 was analyzed by the German master Adolf Braune, whose sharp correspondence analysis impressed Steinitz and later theorists; hence the double name Steinitz–Braune Variation. Although never common at top level, it has surfaced occasionally whenever theoreticians reassess the Scotch.
Illustrative Games
1. Steinitz – Von Minckwitz, Vienna (Blindfold) 1867
Steinitz sacrificed two pieces to keep the initiative and won in 24 moves, demonstrating the attacking potential for White.
2. Varga – Short, Budapest 2022 (rapid)
An instructive modern illustration of Black’s defensive resources; Nigel Short equalised and eventually converted in a queen ending.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Steinitz allegedly joked that 6…Kd8 was “the bravest square on the board” because the king stands in the center and blocks his own pieces yet claims to be perfectly safe.
- The line almost vanished after World War I, but computer engines have revived interest: contemporary engines evaluate the position around 0.00 after best play, showing that the eccentric king walk is theoretically sound if handled correctly.
- Because of the early queen excursion, the variation is a useful teaching tool for illustrating the proverb “Every queen move should pay real dividends.” In this case Black’s queen gains a pawn and indirectly tempts White into over-extension.
- Many opening manuals package the Braune Variation under the umbrella term “Steinitz Defense” to the Scotch, so it is occasionally mis-catalogued, causing practical confusion for database preparation.