Openings

The Scotch Game

A first White repertoire: the centre, recapturing and two common replies.

Beginner · 500–1000Club foundations · 1000–1400

4 lessons · 20 min estimated practice

Free · No game imports needed

♜8♝♛♚♝♞♜♟7♟♟♟♟♟♟6♞5♟4♙3♘♙2♙♙♙♙♙♙♖1a♘b♗c♕d♔e♗fg♖h

White to move

Try the first position

Play the Scotch pawn break and recapture after the reply.

Open the centre
Club foundations · 5 min
The e5 pawn occupies the centre. Exchange it for your d-pawn and recapture with a piece.
Meet …Bc5
Club foundations · 5 min
The black bishop aims at d4. Your c1 bishop can develop and defend the knight at the same time.
Exchange and gain space
Club foundations · 5 min
The f6 knight attacks e4. One plan is to exchange on c6 and push the pawn with an attack on that knight.
Use an early exchange
Beginner · 5 min
Black has exchanged the central knight. Count the material before looking for a new threat.