Scotch Game, Dubois–Réti, Max Lange Attack, Accepted
Scotch Game
Definition
The Scotch Game is an Open Game that begins with the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4.
White immediately strikes at the center, inviting 3…exd4 and opening lines for rapid piece play.
Typical Move-Order
Most commonly:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4.
Strategic Themes
- Early central tension; both sides fight for the d4/e5 squares.
- Open piece play—bishops and queens often develop quickly.
- White aims for a small but persistent space advantage; Black seeks rapid counter-development.
Historical Significance
The name comes from the 1824 Edinburgh vs. London correspondence match, one of the earliest inter-city matches in chess history. After lying dormant for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Garry Kasparov revitalised it against Anatoly Karpov in their 1990 World-Championship match.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov–Karpov, WCC (Game 20), New York–Lyon 1990
Interesting Facts
- Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish novelist, is sometimes (incorrectly) credited with the name because of his interest in the 1824 match.
- The opening is a favourite of many rapid-and-blitz specialists because of its straightforward plans and forcing lines.
Dubois–Réti Variation (of the Scotch Game)
Definition
A specific branch of the Scotch Game that arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6. White trades knight for knight on c6, doubling Black’s c-pawns and steering the game into an imbalanced, strategic fight.
Key Position
After 5…bxc6 6. e5, the pawn structure is:
Strategic Ideas
- White: Exploit the weakened light squares (c5, d6) and the half-open d-file.
- Black: Use the bishop pair and the pawn majority on the queenside for long-term play.
Historical Notes
Named after Italian master Serafino Dubois (1829-1899) and hyper-modern pioneer Richard Réti (1889-1929). Both championed the line decades apart—Dubois for its structural bite, Réti for its flexible manoeuvring potential.
Famous Example
Réti–Capablanca, Vienna 1919 (simul) featured the structure, though in that game Capablanca eventually out-manoeuvred his opponent.
Curiosities
- Because the doubled c-pawns only move forward, they can either become a weakness or a steamroller if Black achieves …c5-c4.
- The line often transposes to positions that resemble the Carlsbad structure of the Queen’s Gambit.
Max Lange Attack
Definition
An aggressive gambit-style system that can arise from either the Two-Knights Defence or Scotch Gambit. The signature position occurs after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d4 exd4 5. O-O Nf6 6. e5. White sacrifices material for a furious initiative against Black’s king.
Who was Max Lange?
Maximilian Lange (1832-1899) was a German problemist, theoretician, and the editor of the Deutsche Schachzeitung. He analysed these attacking lines extensively, earning naming rights.
Main Tactical Motifs
- Rapid development—White castles on move 5 and brings the rooks to the e-file.
- Central pawn wedge e5-e6 to pry open f- and g-files.
- Typical sacrifices on f7 or c5 to expose Black’s king.
Classical Brilliancy
Bird–Paulsen, New York 1869 is a textbook illustration:
Theoretical Assessment
With modern defensive resources the line is considered sound for Black if handled accurately (…d5 and precise king safety). Nevertheless, the complications remain treacherous, making it a practical weapon in club and rapid play.
Trivia
- The Max Lange has appeared in computer chess “junk-yard dog” openings because engines enjoy its forcing nature.
- Many annotated collections still label these lines as the “Max Lange Attack” even when reached via the Scotch move-order.
“Accepted” (as an Opening Concept)
Definition
In opening nomenclature, “Accepted” designates a variation where the defending side captures the pawn(s) offered in a gambit. For example, in the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA) Black plays 2…dxc4; in the Benko Accepted Black takes 3…bxa6. The Scotch Game itself can be called “Scotch Gambit Accepted” when Black takes on d4.
Usage in Notation & Literature
- Abbreviated as “A” in ECO tables, e.g., C24 Scotch Gambit, Accepted.
- Differentiates from “Declined” lines, where the gambit pawn is ignored or counter-gambitted.
Strategic Meaning
By accepting, the defender gains material but must be prepared to weather an initiative, development lead, or structural concession requested by the attacker.
Illustrative Contrast
Queen’s Gambit:
• Accepted: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 → immediate pawn grab.
• Declined: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 → solid structure, pawn not taken.
Interesting Fact
The oldest recorded “Accepted” gambit was the King’s Gambit Accepted (KGA) in Gioachino Greco’s 17th-century manuscripts—proof that capturing on f4 has tempted players for 400+ years.