ChessOps - The Scotch Gambit

THE SCOTCH GAMBIT

	A variation of the Scotch Game (qv.) where White's violent attack on the centre is aided by the gambit of a pawn sacrifice.
	Instead of recouping a lost `Q4` pawn, White develops his `KB` before offering a second `QB3` pawn (move 5w, left). The extra pawn is usually (but not always) accepted by Black.
White then goes on to target Black's weakest point `KB2`(f7) with an all-out Q+B+Kt assault (move 8wb, right), but Black if experienced should have no great difficulty in withstanding the attack.

Begin or Clear or Groups or see move: 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 exd4 to 4 Bc4
4..Bc5 5 c3	5..dxc3 6 Nxc3 d6 7 Qb3 Qd7 8 Nd5 Nf6
	5..d3 6 b4 Bb6 7 Qb3 Qf6 8 0-0 d3

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THE SCOTCH GAMBIT ("Épine Dorsale")

1. P-K4...P-K4
White attempts to occupy the centre with his King's Pawn, opening diagonals for his KB and Q and attacking squares Q5(d5) and KB5(f5).
Black has the same idea, replying with a mutual King's Pawn in an open defence (so termed because in an open game the centre tends to become opened up by pawn exchange rather than blocked by close play).

2. Kt-KB3...Kt-QB3
White brings his King's Knight closer to the centre and attacks a pawn, as per the golden rule: always develop with attack if possible.
Black defends the pawn and develops his Queen's Knight.

WHITE to Move or Jump or Clear

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THE SCOTCH GAMBIT (The Scotch Game)

3. P-Q4
White leaves the "Épine Dorsale" to start a violent attack on the centre with a vigorous Q-Pawn move forcing a pawn exchange.

3. ...PxP
PxP is Black's best reply, as 3..P-Q3 may not only prevent him castling but force him to waste a move protecting his KBP, and 3..KtxP may lead White to an advantageous Q-position.

WHITE to Move or Jump or Clear

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