Scotch Game: Tartakower Variation

Scotch Game: Tartakower Variation

Definition

The Scotch Game: Tartakower Variation is a sharp branch of the Scotch Opening that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6. Named after the colorful Polish‒Argentinian grandmaster Savielly Tartakower, the line features Black’s early queen development to f6, simultaneously eyeing the d4-knight and the f2-square while postponing kingside castling. White, in turn, gains time for central expansion and piece activity by harassing the exposed queen.

Typical Move Order

The main tabiya appears after:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Bc5 (Classical Scotch)
5. Be3 Qf6 (defining the Tartakower Variation)
6. c3 Nge7 7. Nc2 … (main line)

Strategic Themes

• Queen Activity vs. Development: Black’s 5…Qf6 exerts immediate pressure but exposes the queen to tempi-gaining attacks such as Nb5, Nxc6, or 6. c3 followed by 7. Nc2.
• Piece Coordination: Because the f8-bishop is still blocked, Black often prefers …Nge7 over the natural …Nf6 to support the d5 break without interfering with the queen.
• Central Tension: Both sides fight for the d5-square. Typical middlegames feature pawn structures with c3-d4–e4 (White) versus …d6–…e5 or the freeing …d5 break (Black).
• Delayed Castling: Black may keep the king in the center for several moves, waiting to see whether kingside or queenside castling is safer.

Historical Context

Savielly Tartakower championed the line in the 1920s and 1930s, employing it to surprise opponents who were comfortable in more traditional Scotch positions. While the variation never reached mainstream popularity equal to the Mieses or Schmidt Variations, it has periodically resurfaced as a practical weapon— especially in rapid and blitz—because the unusual queen sortie can take unprepared White players off balance.

Illustrative Game

Model miniature (analysis diagram): White exploits Black’s king-side weaknesses created by the wandering queen. Although simplified for illustrative purposes, the game captures typical motifs: 1) chasing the black queen, 2) rapid development, and 3) a direct attack on f7/f8.

Common Continuations

• 6. c3 Nge7 7. Nc2 – White shores up d4 and prepares to push b4 or develop the dark-square bishop to e2 or d3. Black replies …d6 or …Bb6, keeping the bishop pair.
• 6. Nb5 – An immediate interrogation of the c7-square. After 6…Bxe3 7. fxe3 Qxb2 8. N1c3 Qb4, wild complications ensue where accurate calculation is paramount.
• 6. c3 Nge7 7. g3 – Fianchettoing the king’s bishop, after which White seeks long-term pressure on the a2-g8 diagonal.

Notable Games Featuring the Variation

• Alexander Alekhine vs. Savielly Tartakower, Paris 1933 – Tartakower demonstrates the line’s resilience, holding a draw against the future world champion.
• Viktor Korchnoi vs. Jan Timman, Amsterdam 1974 – Korchnoi’s precise maneuvering shows how White can squeeze small advantages without allowing Black counterplay.
• Magnus Carlsen vs. Levon Aronian, Bilbao Masters 2012 (Rapid) – A modern rapid instance in which Carlsen steered the game into a favorable endgame.

Interesting Facts

• Tartakower jokingly called 5…Qf6 “my patent medicine,” claiming it cured opponents of their opening preparation.
• The variation almost disappeared from top-level classical play in the computer era, but engines now evaluate the position as roughly equal, reviving interest among creative players.
• Because the queen appears on f6 so early, club players often fall into tactical traps involving Nd5 or Nxc6, giving the line a reputation for “boomerang tactics” where the queen must dance back into safety.

Practical Tips

• If you play White: Develop quickly, target the black queen with tempo, and consider 0-0-0 when safe to open the f-file against Black’s uncastled king.
• If you play Black: Memorize concrete tactical lines, be ready to retreat the queen to g6 or e7, and aim for the liberating …d5 break once development is complete.