Scotch Game - Steinitz Horwitz Attack
Scotch Game – Steinitz Horwitz Attack
Definition
The Steinitz Horwitz Attack is a sub-variation of the Scotch Game that arises after the following sequence of moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 (Steinitz Variation) 5. Nc3 (Horwitz Attack)
After 4…Qh4 Black simultaneously attacks the pawn on e4 and the pawn on g2. White’s fifth move, 5.Nc3, blocks the queen’s pressure on e4, develops a piece, and threatens Nb5 with annoying jumps. The line is named after World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz, who popularised 4…Qh4, and the German master Bernhard Horwitz (1807-1885), one of the first players to advocate the immediate 5.Nc3.
Move-Order & Typical Continuations
- 5…Bb4 (main line) 6.Be2 Qxe4 7.Nb5 Ba5 8.O-O — White enjoys a lead in development and prospects of c2-c4 with queenside expansion.
- 5…Nf6 6.Ndb5 Bb4 7.Nxc7+ Kd8 8.Nxa8 – a material grab that is risky for Black once White’s pieces coordinate.
- 5…Bc5?! 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Nf5 — White gains tempi while shielding the king.
Strategic Themes
- Development vs. Material
By playing 4…Qh4 Black hopes to snatch the e- and g-pawns. White’s 5.Nc3 sacrifices nothing immediately but wagers that quick piece activity will outweigh any pawn Black may capture. - Central Control
White’s knight on c3 supports d5 breaks and restrains …d5 from Black; if Black lingers, White can establish a broad pawn centre with f2-f4 or c2-c4. - King Safety
Black’s queen excursion often leaves the kingside undeveloped. Conversely, White usually castles rapidly and begins attacking with rooks along the e- and d-files.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
During the mid-19th century the Steinitz Variation (4…Qh4) was considered one of the sharpest replies to the Scotch. Horwitz’s idea of 5.Nc3 showed that White could meet the queen sortie without immediately moving the attacked e-pawn, keeping the initiative. Modern engines judge the position after 5.Nc3 as roughly equal, yet practically it remains dangerous for Black, especially in faster time controls where precise defense is harder.
Illustrative Game
Bernhard Horwitz – J. Medley, London 1851
[[Pgn|e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|exd4|Nxd4|Qh4|Nc3|Bb4|Be2|Qxe4|Nb5|Ba5|O-O|Nf6|Bd3| |arrows|c3d5|squares|e4 g2]]Horwitz allowed Black to grab the e-pawn but soon regained it while forcing the queen into awkward squares. White’s rapid mobilisation generated a powerful attack that decided the game before move 30.
Usage in Modern Play
While relatively rare at elite level today, the line is an effective surprise weapon:
- Rapid & Blitz: The initiative and tactical pitfalls favour the better-prepared side. Players such as Baadur Jobava have revived the variation in online blitz sessions.
- Club Level: Many opponents with Black expect the more popular 5.Nb5 or 5.Nf5; meeting 5.Nc3 accurately requires study.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Wilhelm Steinitz famously annotated 4…Qh4 with “saves the game,” confident it neutralised the Scotch. Modern theory shows that confidence was optimistic.
- Bernhard Horwitz, better known today for his pioneering studies in endgame composition, also left a legacy in opening theory through this enterprising fifth move.
- In an 1870 exhibition in London, Steinitz himself tried the Steinitz Variation with Black against Cecil Valentine De Vere but lost after White chose 5.Nc3, illustrating the line’s venom even against its namesake.
Key Takeaways
- 5.Nc3 is a sound, aggressive antidote to the Steinitz Variation.
- White emphasizes development and central pressure; Black must tread carefully to avoid falling behind.
- The Steinitz Horwitz Attack remains a practical choice, particularly in rapid formats or as a surprise weapon.