Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. Scotch Game: Introduction
1. e41... e5After 1... e5We bring out the ♞ to f3, attacking the ♟e5
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6We seize the center with ♟d2-d4, opening the diagonal for the dark-squared ♝
3. d4
After 3... exd4White to move. At the board3... exd4After 3... exd4We take the ♟ — ♞f3xd4, sending the knight to the center and giving Black a chance to blunder
4. Nxd44... Nxd4After 4... Nxd4Knight exchange — the most popular move among players up to 1500 ELO. Despite the stats, it's a poor move because our ♛ becomes a strong central piece that's hard to chase away. We capture back with ♛xd4!
5. Qxd45... d6After 5... d6A solidifying move, allowing Black to continue development, opening the path for the light-squared ♝. Our plan is straightforward: develop the queenside (♞b1-c3, ♝c1-f4/g5, 0-0-0 with a future attack on the opponent's ♚ on the kingside or active play in the center
6. Nc36... Nf6After 6... Nf6We continue with the plan — ♝f4, getting closer to long castling!
7. Bf4After 7... Be7White to move. At the board7... Be7After 7... Be7We send the ♚ into a hideout on the queenside, away from the active events in the center of the board
8. O-O-O8... O-OAfter 8... O-OAfter eight moves, White has a clear advantage: a seized center, actively placed pieces, and a clear plan (♟f2-f3, ♟g2-g4, ♟h2-h4-h5, ♝f1-c4) with a squeeze play on the kingside. We play ♟f2-f3, strengthening the ♟e4
9. f39... Be6After 9... Be6Remember the key rule: before launching a successful attack with opposite castling — secure your own ♚ first, opting for prophylaxis, sending it to b1 just in case. On this square, the ♚ usually feels more comfortable
After 10. Kb1Black to move. At the board10. Kb1After 10. Kb1Don't forget to organize a ♟ advance on the kingside, taking more and more air from Black.
2. Popular Mistake 5... c5?
1. e41... e5After 1... e5We bring out the ♞ to f3, attacking the ♟e5
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6We seize the center with ♟d2-d4, opening up the diagonal for the dark-squared ♝
3. d4After 3... exd4White to move. At the board3... exd4After 3... exd4We take the ♟ — ♞f3xd4, sending the knight into the center and giving Black a chance to make a mistake
4. Nxd44... Nxd4After 4... Nxd4Exchange of knights is the most popular move among players up to 1500 Elo. Despite the stats, it's a poor move because our ♛ becomes a strong piece in the center, not easily chased away. We capture back with ♛xd4!
5. Qxd45... c5After 5... c5A very common unforced error seen up to 1500 level. Black, on one hand, chases our ♛ from the center, but on the other, critically weakens the d5 square. We retreat the ♛ to d3 with an eye on quick piece development
6. Qd36... d6After 6... d6A strengthening move that allows Black to continue development, clearing the way for the light-squared ♝. Our plan is simple: develop the queenside (♞b1-c3, ♝c1-f4, 0-0-0) with further pressure on the backward ♟d6. Develop the knight!
7. Nc3After 7... Nf6White to move. At the board7... Nf6After 7... Nf6We bring the ♝ to f4 into the game, targeting the ♟d6
8. Bf48... Be7After 8... Be7Don't forget to send the ♚ to long castling, while bringing the ♜ to d1 with additional pressure on the backward ♟d6
9. O-O-O9... O-OAfter 9... O-OBlack has no satisfying defense, so they simply complete development. We take the ♟d6, securing "material profit"
10. Bxd6After 10... Bxd6White to move. At the board10... Bxd6After 10... Bxd6We capture back, offering a queen exchange
11. Qxd611... Qxd6After 11... Qxd6We capture with our ♜xd6, sending it into the opponent's territory
12. Rxd612... Ng4After 12... Ng4The simplest defense is to drop the ♜ down the file to d2, guarding the ♟f2
After 13. Rd2Black to move. At the board13. Rd2After 13. Rd2With an extra pawn and a dominating position
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.