Scotch: 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Bd3

Scotch: 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Bd3

Definition

This sequence is a principal branch of the Scotch Game. The full move-order is:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Bd3.
After the initial center-breaking thrust 3.d4, Black chooses the Classical Variation (4…Nf6). White replies by doubling Black’s c-pawns with 5.Nxc6, and 6.Bd3 completes development while eyeing the h7-square. The position is sometimes called the “Kasparov–Dubois line” because the 19th-century Italian master Serafino Dubois played it frequently, and Garry Kasparov later revived it at the top level.

Typical Plans & Ideas

• White
  • Rapid development, short castling, and pressure on the e- and d-files.
  • Bd3 targets h7, enabling motifs such as Qf3, Qh5, or e5 breaks.
  • Use the half-open d-file to place rooks on d1/d2 and penetrate.
  • Central pawn majority (e- & d-pawns) can advance with e5 or d5 in middlegame.
• Black
  • Bishop pair and the semi-open b-file after …Rb8 and …Bb4.
  • Break with …d5 at the right moment to liberate the c6-pawn and equalize space.
  • Endgame prospects: the doubled c-pawns are not fatal; they give extra central control and open lines for bishops and rooks.

Strategic Significance

The line illustrates a classic trade-off: structure vs. activity. White inflicts a long-term structural weakness (c6/c7 pawns) in return for quick piece coordination. Black accepts slightly damaged pawns but retains the bishop pair, central foothold, and chances to strike with …d5. Accurate timing is critical: if Black equalizes with …d5 under favorable circumstances, the doubled pawns disappear and the bishops shine.

Historical Notes

• First analyzed in depth by Serafino Dubois (1829-1899), whose notes already emphasized the vitality of …d5.
• Garry Kasparov used the variation repeatedly in the late 1980s–1990s, notably against Nigel Short, Anatoly Karpov, and Deep Blue, prompting a modern theoretical boom.
• Modern engines find the position dynamically balanced, which explains its resurgence in elite play as a fighting alternative to the otherwise popular Berlin Defense.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following abbreviated Kasparov miniature shows White’s attacking potential when Black mishandles …d5:

After 15.Nf5! Black’s king position collapses under tactical pressure on h6 and f6.

Common Continuations

1. 6…d5 (Main Line)
   • 7.exd5 cxd5 8.O-O Be7 9.Nc3 O-O — the most respected branch.
   • Plans revolve around …c6-c5 or …Rb8 and …c5, stressing the b-file.
2. 6…Bc5 (Aggressive)
   • Leads to sharp play after 7.O-O d6 8.h3.
   • Black tries to avoid doubled pawns dissolving too soon.
3. 6…Qe7 (Transpositional)
   • Often seen when Black wants a flexible setup, possibly castling queenside.

Example Position to Visualize

In this mainline tabiya, both sides have harmonious development. White weighs ideas like Bg5, Qf3, Rfe1, and Rad1, while Black considers …c6-c5 or …Rb8 followed by …d4 to activate the dark-squared bishop.

Interesting Tidbits

• Because Black’s c-pawns start on c7-c6, many endgames resemble a reversed Panov-Botvinnik Caro-Kann, giving experienced Caro-Kann players a useful reference point.
• Karpov once joked that facing Kasparov’s Scotch felt like “playing against a Trojan horse; you let it in and suddenly the whole city (center) is on fire.”
• The line is a favorite choice for club players who want open, tactical positions without memorizing the labyrinthine theory of the Ruy López.