Scotch Gambit: Cochrane-Anderssen Variation

Scotch Game – Scotch Gambit

Definition

The Scotch Gambit is an aggressive sub-variation of the Scotch Game that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4. Instead of immediately recapturing the pawn on d4 with 4.Nxd4, White offers a pawn to gain rapid development and open attacking lines toward Black’s vulnerable f7-square.

Typical Move-Orders & Branches

The gambit can lead to several distinct structures:

• 4…Bc5 – the “Classical” response, accepting the challenge of an open fight.
• 4…Nf6 – often transposes into sharp lines of the Two Knights Defence after 5.e5.
• 4…Bb4+ – an ambitious check that may steer play into complex positions reminiscent of the Rossolimo Gambit.

Strategic Ideas

• Piece Activity: White’s lead in development is the primary form of compensation.
• Pressure on f7: The bishop on c4, combined with a quickly castled rook on e1, generates tactical threats (e.g. Bxf7+, Ng5).
• Central Control: A later c3 or e5 often undermines the black centre, opening files for the rooks.
• Black’s Choices:
  • Return the pawn with …d6 or …d5 and aim for solid development.
  • Hang on to the pawn (…d5, …Be7, …d6) at the cost of time, inviting a direct attack.

Historical Background

Although the Scotch Game itself was first analysed by a group of Edinburgh players in 1824, the Scotch Gambit’s romantic spirit blossomed in the mid-19^th century. John Cochrane and Adolf Anderssen used it to dazzling effect, inspiring Paul Morphy, Mikhail Chigorin, and later Alexander Morozevich to keep the line alive.

Illustrative Mini-Game

Paul Morphy – Schrufer, New Orleans 1859 (informal)

Morphy’s rapid mobilization and pressure on f7 forced Black into tactical difficulties despite the extra pawn—textbook Scotch Gambit strategy.

Modern Relevance

Grandmasters such as Sergey Tiviakov, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alexander Morozevich have employed the Scotch Gambit as a surprise weapon, especially in rapid and blitz where the initiative is paramount.

Interesting Facts

• Morphy once claimed he could beat most amateurs “blindfolded and gambitting a pawn” —the Scotch Gambit was one of his favourite tools for proving it.
• The line is popular in scholastic play because its themes (fast development, king-side attack, sacrifice on f7) vividly demonstrate fundamental chess principles.

Scotch Gambit – Cochrane-Anderssen Variation

Definition

The Cochrane-Anderssen Variation is a sharp subset of the Scotch Gambit beginning with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. O-O d6 (or 5…Nf6) 6. c3!?. White sacrifices a second pawn after 6…dxc3 to generate a powerful initiative, typically continuing 7.Nxc3 Nf6 8.Bg5 or 7.Bxf7+?! (the ultra-romantic line).

Origins of the Name

• John Cochrane (Scottish master, 1798-1878) analysed the early c3 pawn sacrifice in the 1840s.
• Adolf Anderssen, winner of the inaugural 1851 London tournament, popularised the idea by unleashing spectacular attacks with it. Their combined contributions earned the line its hyphenated title.

Main Tactical Motifs

• Bxf7+ & Qd5+: A classical double-check sequence when Black’s king lingers on e8 or f7.
• Open e- and f-files: After the pawn trades, White’s rooks invade rapidly, often before Black can castle.
• Pin on g5: The bishop pin (Bg5) aims at the queen on d8 and the knight on f6, freezing Black’s development.

Theoretical Assessment

Modern engines give Black a small edge with best defence (…Nf6, …Bg4, …Qe7), but practical results hover near 50 %. In rapid time-controls the line is feared for its “initiative-per-tempo” ratio.

Model Game

Sergey Tiviakov – Nigel Short, Groningen 1995

White’s 17.Nd5! ignited a whirlwind of tactics that eventually netted material and the full point, showcasing the variation’s attacking potential.

Practical Guidelines for Each Side

1. White should keep pieces on the board and avoid premature pawn grabs. Time is the real investment.
2. Black can defuse the attack by:
   • Returning material with …Be6 or …d5 to complete development.
   • Maintaining a flexible king—sometimes delaying castling until the centre clarifies.

Fun Anecdotes

• In casual games at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, Cochrane reportedly bet spectators he could mate in under 25 moves with the line—records show he often succeeded.
• Anderssen considered the variation “fit for exhibition games,” yet modern GMs have scored upsets with it in serious play, proving its enduring venom.