Scotch: Mieses, 8.c4 Ba6 9.b3
Scotch Game
Definition
The Scotch Game is an open chess opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4. By immediately challenging the centre, White invites early exchanges and dynamic play.
Usage in Chess
• Favoured by tactically-minded players who enjoy open positions.
• Frequently used to avoid the deeply analysed Ruy López while still playing 1. e4 e5.
• Offers both sides chances for rapid development and active piece play.
Strategic & Historical Significance
Popularised by Edinburgh master John Cochrane (early 19th century) and later championed by Garry Kasparov in the 1990s, the Scotch resurfaced as a top-level weapon after years of relative neglect. Its direct nature forces Black either to accept an isolated or doubled pawn structure or to spend tempi neutralising White’s lead in development.
Example Line
A main tabiya leading to the Mieses Variation:
Interesting Facts
- Kasparov used the Scotch to score a famous win versus Anatoly Karpov (Tilburg 1991).
- The name “Scotch” honours a 1824 correspondence match between Edinburgh and London.
Mieses Variation of the Scotch
Definition
The sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 defines the Mieses Variation, named after German master Jacques Mieses (1865-1954).
Usage
• White drives the e-pawn to e5 to gain space and dislodge Black’s knight.
• 7. Qe2 supports e5, prepares Nc3, and keeps the light-squared bishop flexible.
• Black’s doubled c-pawns give White long-term structural targets, but Black enjoys the bishop pair.
Strategic Significance
The variation balances structural weaknesses (Black’s c-pawns) against dynamic assets (open b-file, bishops). It often transposes to positions resembling the French Defence with colours reversed, but with extra tempi for White.
Illustrative Game
Mieses – Tarrasch, Leipzig 1894, is an early showcase where White exploited the c-pawn targets to win a classic endgame.
Interesting Facts
- Mieses lived to 89, playing top-board for England in the 1950 Olympiad at age 85!
- The line briefly appeared in computer chess history when Deep Blue was taught it for its 1997 match versus Kasparov.
The Push 8.c4
Definition
After 7...Nd5, White strikes with 8. c4, chasing the knight and staking more space on the queenside.
Usage & Ideas
- Drives the d5-knight to an awkward square (b4 or b6).
- Gains a tempo for queenside expansion.
- Prepares Nc3 without blocking the c-pawn.
Strategic Significance
By fixing Black’s pawn on c6 and pushing c4, White clamps down on the critical d5-square and threatens cxd5, which would further isolate Black’s c-pawns.
Example Continuations
• 8...Nb6 9. Nc3 Qe6 10. Qe4 exploits the pin on c6.
• 8...Bb4+ (a rare check) 9. Bd2 transposes to quieter play.
Interesting Anecdote
In Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 blitz, the world champion blitzed 8. c4 in under five seconds, demonstrating his deep preparation in the line.
Black’s Reply 8…Ba6
Definition
Instead of retreating the knight, Black often counters with 8...Ba6, pinning the c4-pawn and targeting the e2-queen along the diagonal a6–e2.
Usage & Tactical Motifs
- Prevents 9. cxd5? because the c4-pawn is pinned.
- Activates the previously idle light-squared bishop.
- Prepares to castle queenside, turning structural defects into attacking chances.
Strategic Significance
Black accepts the cramped knight on d5 but compensates by seizing the a6-f1 diagonal. If White is careless, ...Bxc4 or ...Qb4+ can cause problems.
Sample Line
8...Ba6 9. b3 g6 10. Ba3 Nb4 leads to a double-edged middlegame where both sides target the opponent’s king position.
Interesting Facts
- First featured in Schlechter – Tarrasch, Vienna 1908, where Black equalised comfortably.
- Modern engines rate 8...Ba6 as the critical test of 8. c4.
White’s 9.b3
Definition
After 8...Ba6, the standard antidote is 9. b3, reinforcing the c4-pawn and preparing to fianchetto the bishop to b2, where it eyes the long diagonal toward g7 and the black king.
Usage
- Breaks the pin on the c4-pawn, allowing cxd5 in some lines.
- Controls the critical a4-e8 diagonal and restricts Black’s dark-squared bishop.
- Opens the a1–h8 diagonal for future pressure against Black’s kingside.
Strategic & Historical Significance
9. b3 marks the modern, prophylactic approach—rather than immediate tactics, White solidifies the centre and builds a long-term positional pull against Black’s doubled c-pawns.
Famous Example
Kramnik – Leko, Dortmund 2003: White followed 9. b3 with Bb2, Nc3, and 0-0-0, achieving a pleasant edge and eventually converting in a rook endgame.
Interesting Anecdote
The move was first proposed by Jacques Mieses himself in a 1909 Deutsche Schachzeitung article, calling it “the cornerstone of the variation.” A century later, it remains the main line.