Exercise 4.1Question
Black to move
Black to move. How should Black answer 3.d4?
4
Your First Openings · Kapilash Chess Academy
The Scotch Game
3.d4 — opening the centre at once
In this lesson you will learn
- Why White plays d4 so early
- The Scotch main lines
- The plan with e5 and c4
- Typical mistakes in the Scotch
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
4.1 Straight to the Centre
In the Scotch White strikes in the centre on move three with 3.d4. After 3...exd4 4.♘xd4 the centre is open, White has a pawn on e4 against none, and the pieces come out quickly.
Diagram 4.1Black to move
The Mieses Variation
Black attacks e4 with the knight; White exchanges on c6 and gains space with e5.
White’s pawns on e5 and c4 take important squares from Black’s pieces. Black has the bishop pair and open lines in return.
Diagram 4.2Black to move
The Classical Variation
Black develops the bishop to c5, attacking the knight on d4.
White protects the knight with ♗e3 and c3; Black develops naturally. Both sides have a good game.
Remember
- 3.d4 opens the centre at once.
- After 3...exd4 4.♘xd4 the pieces come out fast.
- Against ...♘f6, White can exchange on c6 and push e5.
- Do not block your own pieces when defending e5.
Exercises · Lesson 4
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right answer.
Exercise 4.2Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.4Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.5Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.6Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.7Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 4.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.