Scotch Game | Ideas, Principles and Common Variations

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The Scotch is a recently revived opening which can be quite deadly in the right hands! There are numerous options for both sides both white and black can prepare deadly surprises in it!
The Scotch Game got its name after a correspondence match played between London and Edinburgh in the 19th century. During the romantic era of chess, up until 1900, it was considered a sound opening and frequently used. It was even featured in opening manuals at the time.
When classical chess started to develop, the Scotch got left out and it was considered to be bad for white because it allows black to equalize comfortably and without even trying. It was sporadically played in the 20th century, and never really as a main opening or on the highest level. Until Garry Kasparov. During his 1990 match against Karpov, Kasparov played the Scotch to everyone’s surprise. He wanted to avoid the Ruy Lopez perhaps. His preparation was immaculate and his ideas sound and aggressive. He caught Karpov off guard and scored 1.5/2 in their first two games in the Scotch.
Later on, the opening was taken seriously again, and slowly but surely it began to be played on all levels and it was considered a good weapon for white against the king’s pawn.
The idea behind the Scotch is simple. White is trying to release central tension and trade his d pawn for black’s e5 pawn, thus reducing black’s central control and giving his pawn a possibility to advance. The result is a game completely different to the closed Spanish or Italian position.
In the series we are going to be looking at six different variations in depth, every one in a separate video.
4. Bc4 Scotch Gambit
4. c3 Goring Gambit
4. Nxd4
4...Bc5 Classical Variation
4...Nf6 Schmidt Variation
4...Bb4+ Malaniuk Variation
4...Qh4 Steinitz Variation
If you would like to support the channel and my quest to chess improvement, you can donate here: www.paypal.me/HangingPawns
Any support is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
The next tournament abroad I plan to play is at the start of July in Slovenia.
Thank you for the support so far!
Francisco R., Simon F., Ken A., Debbie and Brian T., Philip D., Alexandre M., Pascal S., Daniel N.
#chess

[@HangingPawns]

Here's a great tool for learning openings: chessbook.com/hanging-pawns Chessbook allows you to import and practice your repertoire. It focuses on moves people actually play as well as your mistakes. Connect it to your lichess or chess com accounts to correct the biggest gaps in your repertoire!

[@carrottt7223]

For self study 0:00 Introduction: some history and stuff 1:16 Introduction/history of the opening 2:23 analysing starting position 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 3:47 Garry Kasparov and stuff 5:13 options other than exd4 5:26 d6 5:54 Nxd4 6:26 Nf6 7:10 d5 Conclusion: no good options other than 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 8:23 4. c3 Goring gambit 9:24 4. Bc4 Scotch gambit 4. Nxd4 is the Main line. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 11:05 d6(nah) , g6(nah) , Qf6(can try) are some sidelines 12:01 Steinitz Variation Qh4 13:05 check variation Bb4+ 14:15 Classical Variation Bc5 14:20 5. Nxc6 14:50 5. Nb3 15:35 Main move 5. Be3 17:25 Schmidt Variation Nf6 19:30 Summary 20:05 Ending

[@hughesd22]

One of my favorite openings :) Got me from just breaking 1000 elo to 1400-1500 atm. I love the no nonsense nature of it, the easy to study lines, and the tricky moves that many people aren't ready for (at least at this elo). The open position makes tactical games common in my experience.

[@Nouh-tf1wz]

What do you play as black? I am trying to get out of the 1000s I play the kings indian.

[@HangingPawns]

Sorry for confusing the Schmidt and the Steinitz variations several times. I was always referring to Nf6 (Schmidt) which Karpov employed against Kasparov.

[@nate8106]

I was surprised hearing karpov would play the steinitz

[@Haynombredisponible]

I thought the Schmidt variation was defined not by 4...Nf6, but by 5.Nxc3. Anyway, I loved your video. I'm checking the rest of the series right now. Thanks a lot!

[@nicholastirella9322]

it’s all good i confuse karpov with kasparov 😂

[@eddieandadrian9208]

You are my new favorite online chess coach! I've learned a lot from your detailed, methodical explanations.

[@TymexComputing]

The video lasts 20 minutes, it was presented 17 minutes ago and already it has 5 comments :) - what a wonderful world :)

[@HangingPawns]

:)

[@sorachii8932]

I watch almost everything in 2x speed.

[@Exodus-uc1mh]

@@sorachii8932 does that mean this video is only 6 months old?

[@chinmayaprakash]

I see knights of black, and white knights too. So many variations, for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

[@Haha-ov8oo]

and i watched it after covid🎉

[@fernandofuriaesq.6266]

As a patzer my favorite part is learning how the openings got their names. The Scotch is an immediate tension reliever in the center. Good for my temperament .

[@shv8001]

2 days ago I was searching for the Scotch on your chanel. What a nice surprise... :)

[@HangingPawns]

Glad to be almost on time then:D

[@Spectatorica]

@@HangingPawns mind reader :)

[@alexandereastwood1]

I am so looking forward to this, the Scotch Game is one of my favorite openings.

[@HangingPawns]

Happy to hear that Alex!

[@tamm_mf]

Thanks for the time and effort to make this material. Very useful and interesting lines as I am starting to develop the Scotch game as my main opening for white.

[@leskobrandon8454]

What a beautiful time in chess history! Thank you Queens Gambit for bringing people the endless joy of the Royal Game! Thank you also Hanging Pawns!

[@joegonzales5414]

Thank you queens gambit for rekindling my love for this game

[@juliafloridausa]

08:23 4. c3 Göring gambit 09:00 4. Bc4 Scotch gambit 11:53 4...Qh4 Steinitz variation 12:54 4...Bb4+ Malaniuk variation 14:07 4...Bc5 Classical variation 16:43 4...Nf5 Schmidt variation

[@wallyanimations]

thank you

[@juliafloridausa]

@@wallyanimations You're welcome!

[@red_dot_doc]

Thanks mahn ❣️ helped to get a base on scotch opening especially the classical variation...keep making such playlists coz they are very helpful😊

[@jonnylinny5467]

Scotch is my most used opening. Was the first opening I learned. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series. 👍

[@srinivasaraom393]

Thankyou for the wonderful inputs on Scotch opening.

[@anthonylesar7337]

Thank you. Your channel is brilliant. No nonsense clear explanations.

[@apoorvbelgundi4603]

Your videos are great! You've taught me most of the opening theory I know today 😂! Thanks man

[@TheeDonnieRey]

Appreciate the thorough explanations

[@ALTTABINMAINMENU]

Thank you Stejpan, very good video, as always!

[@HangingPawns]

Thank you!

[@MrLuridan]

Just stumbled upon your channel just now, and I love it! Subscribed.

[@colinbyer3018]

This is the best chess channel none of the others go into as much detail as yours

[@naveediqbal9450]

Please make next episode on Scotch Gambit. I LOVE to learn more about it.

[@HangingPawns]

It will be either the next one or the one right after. Coming up soon!

[@zackzarnecki8038]

Hvala, sjajno objašnjeno

[@tesshu2me]

Great video, Stejpan; I play the Scotch and watching your video has helped me understand even more about this interesting opening :-)

[@AllenProxmire]

you're a boss / champ / all-star / baller. good luck this year. these vids will help many to come

[@argeon6969]

Just yesterday I was thinking how cool it would be if you covered the scotch and here it is! Love your channel, your advice has helped me climb out of sub-1000 rating. Keep making awesome videos, you're my favorite chess channel!

[@HangingPawns]

Thank you very much and good luck climbing higher!

[@kyleeckert5530]

Study time!? Shiiit.. I wonder if I can make 2000 without it. At 1500 now

[@mattetoso]

Your videos are awesome, but what i like the most are your thumbnails, they always look so artistic! Congrats

[@GavinKildea123]

Great video!

[@jonl7855]

What I like about your videos is that you go over the fundamental ideas of the position, such as how the Ruy Lopez attacks the pawn, so it is useful both for beginners who don’t know the fundamentals, and also for more advanced players who may understand the concepts, but either forget them, or just generally can benefit from their understanding being deepened. I’m curious if you teach chess or some other subjects where you live🤔

[@friarcisco8717]

Great video-thank you.

[@TymexComputing]

Alright, i watched the video thoroughly and i must say, that today i wanted to play Petrov variation but unfortunatelly i was playing white :), my oponenty went for the common Nc6 and i played d4 :) not wanting to end up in ruy lopez or any other italian game. Now i know we played scotch and now i know that we went for the mainline :) who would know it was the main line

[@HangingPawns]

Haha. That good feeling of discovering what you actually played.

[@ajarnray4115]

Great opening looking forward to your explanations of the different variations.

[@HangingPawns]

Thanks:)

[@AbrEvig]

Excellent!!!

[@LumixLeo]

Great video

[@dedealmahsum5295]

Thanks sir👍

[@user-uc5kd7hv6f]

man your videos are so helpfull you cane make also some tactics training video!

[@smokie_777]

not sure if it was mentioned in the video but at 10:01 after c3, there's a cool line if ...dxc3, then bxf7+, ...kxf7, qd5+, ...ke8, and white can take the bishop with qxc5. and black can't castle and has lost an important king pawn. in any case great video! this is my main opening as white (scotch gambit specifically), been having a lot of fun games with it around 1700 rapid, although a lot of the times the lines get really crazy so it's important to study it well if you want to play it successfully.

[@tomasgarau5338]

Please make a whole video on the scotch gambit. It's such an interesting opening!

[@HangingPawns]

I plan to. In fact, it might be tomorrow or the day after already.

[@tomasgarau5338]

@@HangingPawns Thanks man, will look forward to it. Keep up the good work!

[@gasperkodric2127]

Quality videos as always👏. I have one question. Are you going to upload the English opening ?

[@HangingPawns]

Yes I am. But after I have finished the d4 series. So it will be a while.

[@saubhagyasingh4655]

Well tomic u are lika a coach to me. I have learnt a lot from your videos. I ll be playing a rated tournament next week. Hope i open a rating. And if i do all credit goes to you👏👏👏

[@HangingPawns]

Good luck in the tournament! I hope you score well!

[@cetinem]

he is like a coach to me too (great one) and i really like his teaching style. thank you stjepan

[@virgilkartodikromo623]

Great content :),i have a question against d4 I play the dutch (f5) but I faced alot of problems against "The staunton gambit" e4 I hope one day we will cover that

[@sauravanand9100]

Awesome.

[@Alkis05]

In the potter variation, (ie. in the classical where whites play 5.Kb3), instead of playing 7. Bg6, I would suggest looking into 7. Qe2. It is not in the top 5 engine moves, but not only is what is played at high level, it gives whites a slight advantage too in low level ratings. PS: 15:20 I don't think that is correct. The engine says that position is basically equal. Unless you are using some professional cloud engine. Could you check it out?

[@yerlibilgin]

The good side of your videos is that you are not a GM. And that makes you someone like US (the rest of the world :) ) This helps us understand you better. Mostly GMs skip the subtle and easy moves because they know and think that we know too.

[@Robertl-xz6yl]

Do you have any videos on the bishop opening and if not are they coming? I’ve been losing a lot to the boi variation and would appreciate a video on the traps/ideas for black and white

[@HangingPawns]

I have not planned to cover it. I will do it after I have finished d4 and c4. In the series on seldom played openings.

[@JN-kk4nk]

i like your videos !

[@lukasornmark4478]

Could you go over the Potter variation? It’s a variation I try to learn and play in tournaments! 😄

[@libraryjam]

knight to back to b3 @15:05 is also known as the potter variation, GothamChess has a great video on it. It doesn't work if the queens out btw so be careful lol, :)

[@flopasen]

i fell into the Scotch somehow and enjoy playing it at my level. Sometimes people really don't wanna take d4

[@SteveBedford]

🥃 my favorite opening

[@nate8106]

I love the scotch and it's nearly become my maon weapon against e5. Im so glad to see you covering more and more openings and showing main theory not just tricks and traps. Is the schmidt not the mieses or is there a difference?

[@VeggieRice]

haircut is clean, props to your barber

[@josephmillam6948]

Love the scotch.

[@capablanca4095]

Please do a series on the english and the catalan

[@HangingPawns]

Coming up. Not sure when though.

[@JoeNewland6]

Kasparov introduced it 1990? I’ve got a couple books on Tal games and super Nezhmetdinov who both seemed to play this opening quite a lot in the 50’s 60’s 70’s

[@willzsigo9596]

hp, if you were to have about equal knowledge in both openings, which one would you prefer playing as black: the Scotch game or the open old Sicilian ?

[@annanokke9174]

What about another variation: e4-e5, Kf3-Kc6, d4-exd4, Kxd4-Kge7 ? Has it been played? Any theory around it? Although in this case the Knight on e7 blocks the Bishop and Queen, it protects the Knight on c6 and prepares the pawn counterattack on d5.

[@chuy27arts]

I use the scotch gambit mainly in blitz, I dont think it is strong enough to use it as your main openning, since as white you should seek some advantage when entering e4 e5 and this can be done easier with a game like the spanish or the Italian

[@HangingPawns]

True, but the Gambit can be deadly and get black out of his prep.

[@garethh9440]

@@HangingPawns I use in rapid and blitz because I get into clock trouble a lot and this opening launches quickly into the middle game, especially with the trades in the centre. If black has to play over the board then often he gets a backward d-pawn or loses castling rights if the queens are exchanged.

[@shogunfogun]

Boy, that 20 mts went fast. I’m a different person now!

[@viktorvalchev7876]

At 16:08 why doesnt the queen capture on e4. The pawn is hanging. I am certain I am overseeing something. Greetings

[@armaanmalhotra9042]

🔥🔥

[@Skirmish_Master]

Your voice reminds me of stronghold crusader

[@SonjaLang]

16:43 Schmidt

[@sound-wizzard]

i never knew the terminator played chess!!

[@johnvuillemot4805]

After white recaptures, nxd4, as black I like Ne7, so I don't get doubled pawns, and if white develops, I go Nxd4 then Qxd4 then Nc3. So is ne7 any good?

[@matthaeus5373]

Sorry if this is late but after Nc3 you can go Qd5 which threatens mate and you’re slightly behind in development while lacking space. Not a bad line though.

[@emmal9721]

Hay thật sự, cảm ơn Đức Phúc mang cho mình dòng cảm xúc này!

[@manojk6258]

Wait is haxo not a scotch varation?

[@yerlibilgin]

16:06 after white castles why doesn't black go Qxe4?

[@eetuhentunen5157]

Which e4 opening are still left to be covered? Or more simply if you don't want to spoil, how many?

[@johnvuillemot4805]

I know he has philidor soon

[@HangingPawns]

The Philidor and the Nimzowitsch defenses left.

[@somebodys7404]

Are there any major downsides to avoiding the Petrov with 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3?

[@evanhansen5064]

3. …Bb4+ is a very annoying move to face in that variation

[@peterthegreat996]

The scotch gambit is good for club players

[@HangingPawns]

True.

[@ferasalzaabi805]

Where can I find the study of lichess?

[@joegonzales5414]

At 12:30 how come you don't take the queen with the knight on c3?

[@HCW2855HCW]

Illegal move. The knight is pinned.

[@fouineify]

i love this channel and i have learned a lot from it but there's just one small detail i wish you'd change in your videos, it's the white background hehe bcz i only watch your vids late at night when i have already turned off the lights and i turn my computer brightness to lowest but with the white background it still hurts my eyes very bad, plz think of a dark background and thank you

[@OriginalAndroidPhone]

5:30 Isnt Bb5 inviting A6 and b5, losing the bishop?

[@vector_747]

I don't see how you'll lose it. After b5, white can retreat the bishop to Bb3 and it's out of danger and we can move pawn to c3 providing extra defence to pawn on d4 and safe square for bishop. But if knight jumps to Na5, it can take the bishop indeed. But that would be equal trade instead of losing since both are worth 3 points. But since bishop is better than a knight, we can retreat it to Be2

[@chessvibes7058]

I think u should use wooden board theme

[@Franc0Jero]

but you can do this opening without the trade

[@akemimeraki7748]

Brad pitt talking chess!

[@DeuceGenius]

i didnt know kasparov played the scotch

[@israelgulley9104]

Anyone else watching this after Liang beat Aronian with “something else”

[@kaushikattuluri2758]

The scotch and ruy lopez are the best openings for white. The Italian and 4 knights are garbage unless you play the Evans gambit

[@parastoopouyan4172]

What is your name for searching through Internet?

[@DeuceGenius]

acotch players unite

[@dr.mikelitoris]

This guy looks like Elon musk if he was a chess grandmaster

[@gregoriolobato3033]

I like all the tech things that Elon Musk does, but his chess lessons are by far my favourite.

[@casualobserver3881]

I wanted to like your video but its at 666 likes. Nah nvm imma be that 667th like

[@nicolasjalon9063]

Much schmit

[@saubhagyasingh4655]

I m the first.😎

[@HangingPawns]

:)

[@MrUrech]

If black does random shit for the first 3 moves, and white plays the scotch, would that be good for white?

[@Filemonefly9]

7:10 - Please remember, when you presenting an intrudoctury video targeting the novice audience, there is an importance in going trough the moves slowly - despite the variation may be obvious, and considered mostly irrelevant to you.

[@gagak1557]

I hate scotch opening, specially as black

[@digikaininja5]

plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz keep intros short n dive into the mainlines