Scotch Game & Variations (Dubois, Réti, Gambit, Anderssen)
Scotch Game
Definition
The Scotch Game is an open game that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4. Instead of maintaining the symmetrical tension of the classical 4. Nc3 or 4. Bb5 (Ruy Lopez), White immediately opens the centre, exchanging a pawn and re-occupying the d4-square with a knight.
How it is Used
The Scotch is employed by players who wish to:
- Seize central space and open lines before Black finishes development.
- Avoid the vast theory of the Ruy Lopez while still playing 1. e4 e5.
- Produce positions rich in tactical and strategic possibilities, often with an early queen trade that simplifies the middlegame.
Strategic Significance
- After 4. …Nf6 5. Nxc6 (Steinitz) or 5. Nc3 (Réti), the game typically revolves around whether Black’s central pawn majority can equalise activity granted to White’s better development.
- Plans with …Bc5 or …Bb4 create direct counter-pressure on e4 and d4.
- Endgames arising from early queen exchanges (e.g. 4. …Qh4+) are notoriously instructive.
Historical Notes
Named after the 1824 Edinburgh–London correspondence match in which Scottish players championed the line. It briefly fell out of favour until Garry Kasparov revived it in his 1990 World-Championship match against Anatoly Karpov, scoring several thematic wins.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov–Timman, Tilburg 1991 (shortened):
Interesting Facts
- The opening is coded C44–C45 in ECO.
- Morphy, Fischer, and modern grandmasters such as Carlsen have all dabbled in the Scotch at key moments to surprise opponents.
Dubois Variation (Scotch Game)
Definition
The Dubois Variation arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6. Black voluntarily accepts doubled c-pawns, counting on the half-open b-file and firm central structure to offset the structural concession.
Typical Ideas
- Dynamic imbalance: White owns the bishop pair and a small lead in development; Black possesses two centre pawns and open lines for the rooks.
- Piece play: White often targets c6/c7; Black looks for …d5 breaks and pressure on b2/e4.
Historical Context
Named after the flamboyant 19-century Italian master Serafino Dubois. He used the line to score many sharp victories in the 1850s, helping kindle interest in asymmetrical pawn structures.
Example Position
After 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 Nd5 White clamps the dark squares while Black aims for …g6 and a fianchettoed bishop biting on e5. Both sides have clear, contrasting plans.
Illustrative Game
Morphy–Paulsen, New York 1857:
Trivia
- The variation is sometimes labelled “Dubois-Réti” in older manuals because Richard Réti also experimented with it decades later.
- Engines rate the line fully sound for Black, making it a fine weapon at every level.
Réti Variation (Scotch Game)
Definition
The Réti Variation follows 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3. Instead of capturing on c6, White retains the knight to maintain central tension and accelerate development.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility: White can castle either side, play f3–g4 in certain attacking lines, or transpose to quiet, strategic endgames.
- …Bb4 pin: Black’s most popular counter (5. …Bb4) challenges the c3-knight and pressures e4.
Historical Significance
Named after hypermodern pioneer Richard Réti, who used 5. Nc3 in the 1920s to question the classical belief that the Steinitz capture (5. Nxc6) was obligatory.
Contemporary Use
The line enjoys regular appearances in elite play. Magnus Carlsen successfully employed it against Anish Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2019, navigating into an equal endgame he later outplayed.
Miniature Example
Short–M. Adams, British Ch. 1997:
Did You Know?
- When Réti unveiled the move in Vienna 1922, even Capablanca assessed it as “harmless”; engines now give White a small initiative.
- The Réti Variation shares ECO code C43 with other 5th-move sidelines.
Scotch Gambit
Definition
The Scotch Gambit branches off on move four: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4. White sacrifices the d-pawn (sometimes regaining it later) for rapid development and direct pressure on the vulnerable f7-square.
Key Variations
- 4…Bc5 – transposes to the Italian Evans-like structures.
- 4…Nf6 – leads to the Anderson Attack (see below).
- 4…Bb4+ – Lolli Defence; Black gives check and aims for swift castling.
Main Ideas for White
- B1-shop on c4 eyes f7; Queen can swing to f3 or h5.
- Development > material: castling and rook lifts (Rf1–f3–h3) often feature.
- Prepare d4–d5 breaks when the position closes.
Historical Anecdote
An early specialist was Johannes Zukertort, who scored several brilliancies in the 1870s. The gambit enjoyed a mini-renaissance thanks to US Grandmaster Eugene Perelshteyn’s monograph “Open Gambits.”
Illustrative Game
Perelshteyn–Shabalov, U.S. Championship 2007:
Fun Facts
- The Scotch Gambit is sometimes called the “Haxo Gambit” in 19-century literature.
- ECO labels it C44, the same code as the Two Knights Defence, because many lines transpose.
Anderssen Attack (Scotch Gambit)
Definition & Move-Order
The Anderssen Attack appears after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. Ng5. White instantly menaces the f7-pawn and threatens the classic fork on f7 (similar to the Fried-Liver idea in the Two Knights Defence).
Purpose and Strategy
- Immediate tactics: If Black drifts with 5…d5? 6.exd5 Nxd5? 7.Nxf7! the king is dragged into the open.
- Attacking squares: The g5-knight, c4-bishop, queen on f3/h5, and rook via e1 coordinate on the sensitive e6/f7 light squares.
Historical Backdrop
Named for Adolf Anderssen, the great Romantic-era tactician. His fondness for sacrificial assaults on f7 made the line a natural tribute, although no surviving score shows him using this exact move-order. Modern theoreticians nevertheless credit him for the underlying attacking motif.
Example Sequence
After 5…d5 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.O-O! Black cannot capture on g5 because of 8.Re1+, trapping the king in the centre.
Model Game
J.Polgar–Cifuentes, Madrid 1994:
Interesting Nuggets
- The line can transpose directly into the famed Fried-Liver Attack if Black replies 5…d5 6.exd5 Nxd5 7.Nxf7.
- Engines rate the variation risky but playable for both sides; at rapid time-controls it remains a lethal practical weapon.