Scotch: 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nxc6 - Mieses Variation
Scotch: 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nxc6
Definition
The phrase “Scotch: 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nxc6” refers to a main-line position in the Scotch Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5), where White immediately exchanges the knight a second time with 5.Nxc6. By playing 5.Nxc6, White captures the knight on c6, doubling Black’s c-pawns and slightly loosening the defender’s queenside structure. The position is sometimes called the “Mieses Variation” of the Scotch Game.
How the Line Arises
Starting moves in algebraic notation:
- 1. e4 e5
- 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 3. d4 exd4
- 4. Nxd4 Bc5 — Black chooses the classical 4…Bc5 set-up, putting pressure on the d4-knight.
- 5. Nxc6 — the key move defining this sub-variation.
Strategic Ideas
After 5.Nxc6, the position typically continues 5…Qf6 (the most popular reply) 6.Qf3 dxc6. The resulting middlegames feature:
- Structural Imbalance: Black gains the bishop pair but inherits doubled c-pawns (c7 & c6) and an isolated a-pawn if …a6 later occurs.
- Pawn Targets vs. Bishop Pair: White’s play revolves around attacking the c-pawns and seizing the d-file, whereas Black strives to make the bishops count in an open board.
- Piece Placement: White often places a knight on d2–f3 and rooks on d1 & e1; Black seeks …Ne7–g6, …0-0, and active diagonals for Bc5 & Bc8.
- Endgame Prospects: In many endings White’s healthier pawn structure yields a small but lasting pull.
Historical Significance
• The Scotch itself dates back to a correspondence game
(London vs. Edinburgh, 1824–1828), but the 4…Bc5 line was
analyzed deeply by Curt von Bardeleben and Jacques
Mieses at the turn of the 20th century.
• Garry Kasparov revived the entire Scotch complex in top-level
play (1990–1995) as a surprise weapon against Anatoly Karpov
and Viswanathan Anand. Although Kasparov more often chose
5.Be3, his analytical work rejuvenated interest in 5.Nxc6 as
well.
• Modern engines rate the position after 5.Nxc6 Qf6 6.Qf3 as equal, yet it remains a
fighting, unbalanced choice that avoids the heavily-theorized Ruy Lopez.
Typical Continuations
- 5…Qf6 6.Qf3 dxc6 7.Bd3 Qxf3 8.gxf3 Nf6 — White gains the bishop pair and a half-open g-file; Black keeps material balance and tries to exploit f2.
- 5…bxc6!? — the rare “pawn-recapture” line, reinforcing d5 but leaving Black with ugly pawns.
- 5…dxc6 — immediately re-capturing; possible after 5…bxc6 if Black first plays …Qf6 or …Nf6.
Illustrative Game
Magnus Carlsen – Boris Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 2011
Carlsen demonstrated how rapid development and central pressure
can translate the small structural edge into a long-term squeeze
that he eventually converted in an endgame.
Practical Tips
- Memorize the common Qf6 Qf3 queen trade motif; correct timing keeps White’s edge.
- If you play Black, be ready for the endgame — study classic bishop-pair vs. better structure examples.
- Club players should not fear doubled pawns excessively; active piece play can offset them.
Interesting Anecdotes
• Nigel Short once joked that he preferred 5.Nxc6 because he was “too lazy” to memorize the labyrinths after 5.Be3 and 5.Nb3 — yet he scored 80% from the structure!
• Engines initially disliked 5.Nxc6 when first tested against Deep Blue-era hardware, but on modern silicon many lines now slide to 0.00 after 20 moves, illustrating how evaluation horizons evolve.
Further Study
- Chapter 4 of “Kasparov – An Expert’s Guide to the Scotch” by Alexander Khalifman.
- Modern Chess video series “The Doubled-Pawn Scotch” by GM Ivan Sokolov.
- Database search: Filter for ECO code C45, moves 4…Bc5 5.Nxc6.