Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation

Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation

Definition

The Schmidt Variation is a key branch of the Scotch Game that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6. By developing the knight to f6 Black immediately attacks the e4-pawn and prepares normal development instead of entering the more popular 4…Bc5 Classical line. The variation is catalogued in ECO as C45.

Typical Move Order

Most games continue:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nxc6 bxc6 (White grabs the c-pawn, giving Black the bishop pair but saddling him with doubled c-pawns)

The position after 5…bxc6 is the tabiya of the Schmidt Variation. From here, two main plans dominate:

• 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 Nd5 8.c4 – the Kasparov-Short system, squeezing space and fixing Black’s pawn weaknesses.​
• 6. Bd3 d5 7. exd5 cxd5 8.O-O – a quieter line where White aims for rapid development and pressure on the half-open e-file.

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Structure: Black accepts doubled c-pawns (c7-c6) in return for the bishop pair and central presence. The half-open b-file can aid queenside counterplay.
• Piece Activity: White’s knights and central pawns often control key squares (d5, e5, f4). Black’s light-squared bishop is usually quite strong on the long diagonal (a6–f1 or b7–g2).
• King Safety: Castling directions may differ. White normally castles kingside; Black sometimes delays castling or even castles queenside, leading to opposite-side attacks.
• Endgame Trends: If queens come off early, the healthier White pawn structure can give a lasting pull, although Black’s bishops can compensate.

Historical Significance

Named after the German master Dr. Johann Schmidt (19^th century), the line was examined in the early hand-written analyses of the Scotch Game but did not gain widespread popularity until the late 20^th century. Garry Kasparov revived the entire Scotch complex in top-level play during the 1990s; his frequent use of the Schmidt Variation against Nigel Short and Viswanathan Anand introduced modern, computer-age theory to the position.

Illustrative Game

K. Example: Kasparov vs. Short, World Championship (London) 1993, Game 9.

The game eventually ended in a draw, but it showcased the central tension and fluid pawn structure typical of the line. Note Kasparov’s clamp on d5 and Short’s energetic use of the bishop pair.

Practical Tips

• For White:
  • Strike quickly with e5 and c4 to restrict Black’s knights.
  • Target the c6 pawn in middlegames; it can become a long-term weakness.
• For Black:
  • Activate the light-squared bishop (…Ba6, …Bb4 or …Bc5).
  • Use the half-open b-file and potential …Rb8 or …Qb4+ ideas for counterplay.
  • Don’t be afraid to sacrifice the doubled c-pawn in exchange for rapid piece activity.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• When Kasparov reintroduced the Scotch (and specifically the Schmidt) at Linares 1990, commentators dubbed it “the re-Scotch-tion,” a playful twist on “resurrection.”
• Despite its classical origin, the first time the move 4…Nf6 equaled the Classical Variation in master-level database frequency was only after 2010 – a testament to modern engines’ approval of Black’s dynamic chances.
• In some older texts the line is also called the “ 5…bxc6 System,” but contemporary literature overwhelmingly uses Schmidt’s name.

Further Study

Look for modern model games by players such as Magnus Carlsen (e.g., Carlsen–Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2012) and Fabiano Caruana. Both have employed the Schmidt Variation with Black to neutralize strong 1. e4 specialists.