Scotch Game: Romanishin Variation

Definition

The Romanishin Variation is a modern branch of the Scotch Game that arises after the following sequence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Ne4. Instead of the traditional 6…Nd5 or 6…Qe7, Black immediately centralises the knight on e4, challenging White’s centre and setting up dynamic counter-play. The line is classified under ECO code C45 and is named after Ukrainian grandmaster Oleg Romanishin, who popularised it in the late 1970s.

Typical Move Order

The characteristic position is reached in the following moves:

e4 e5
Nf3 Nc6
d4 exd4
Nxd4 Nf6
Nxc6 bxc6
e5 Ne4 (Romanishin Variation)

Strategic Ideas

Black
- Places a knight on an aggressive e4 outpost, obstructing White’s e-pawn and eyeing the c3 and f2 squares.
- Intends …d7–d5 to liberate the light-squared bishop and equalise in space.
- Accepts the doubled c-pawns from 5…bxc6, but hopes they support a robust centre (pawns on c6 & d5).
White
- Must decide whether to chase the e4-knight (with Nd2 or Qe2) or ignore it and accelerate development (Bc4, Bd3, 0-0).
- Aims at pressure on the half-open d-file, exploiting Black’s slightly lagging kingside development.
- Often targets the c6-pawn in end-games where Black’s pawn structure can become a long-term weakness.

Principal Continuations

After 7. Qe2 (the main reply) play usually continues:

7…Nc5 8. Nc3 (or 8. Be3) Ba6 9. Qe3 Bxf1 10. Kxf1. Black exchanges his bad light-squared bishop and keeps the e4-knight, while White claims the bishop pair and a lead in development.
7…d5!? 8. exd6 f5 — a sharp line in which Black gambits a pawn for rapid piece play and an eventual …Bxd6.
Alternative tries for White include 7. Bd3, 7. Be3 and 7. Nd2, each with distinct strategic flavours.

Historical Background

Oleg Romanishin was renowned for his creative opening ideas and his willingness to revitalise neglected systems. By introducing 6…Ne4 into grand-master practice (notably at the 1978 USSR Championship and later in Kiev 1982), he demonstrated that Black could meet the fashionable Scotch with dynamic counter-play instead of passive defence. Since then the variation has appeared in the repertoires of elite players such as Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, Peter Leko and Teimour Radjabov.

Illustrative Game

Romanishin’s own handling remains a textbook example. The following miniature shows the thematic ideas very clearly:

Notable Modern Encounters

Kramnik – Radjabov, Corus 2003: Radjabov held a dynamic draw with precise preparation in the Romanishin, proving its resilience at the highest level.
Carlsen – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2007: Anand navigated the complications to secure counter-play and eventually a half-point against the future World Champion.

Typical Plans & Themes

For Black
- Break with …d7–d5 at the earliest safe moment.
- If White castles queenside, prepare …Rb8 and pawn storms on the b- and c-files.
- Exchange the light-squared bishop (…Ba6 or …Bb4) to relieve cramped kingside pieces.
For White
- Exploit the open d-file with Rd1/Rhe1.
- Use the bishop pair to generate long-term pressure.
- Target the isolated or backward c- and e-pawns in the end-game.

Interesting Facts

Because Romanishin frequently used the Scotch as White, it is somewhat ironic that the variation named after him is a Black weapon!
The move 6…Ne4 was once considered dubious because it allows White to double Black’s f-pawns after Bd3. Modern engines show that Black obtains ample compensation through activity.
In certain lines the move …f7-f6, often taboo in e-pawn openings, becomes thematic, bolstering the e5-square and opening the f-file for attack.

Scotch Game: Romanishin Variation