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Scotch Game
A Repertoire
for White
Alexei Bezgodov
and
Vladimir Barsky
2023
Russell Enterprises, LLC
Portsmouth, NH USA
1
The Scotch Game
by Alexei Bezgodov & Vladimir Barsky
© Copyright 2023
Alexei Bezgodov & Vladimir Barsky
All Rights Reserved
Published by:
Russell Enterprises, LLC
P.O. Box 332
Portsmouth, NH 03802 USA
http://www.russell-enterprises.com
[email protected]
2
Table of Contents
Introduction 9
Chapter 1
Black in the Danger Zone 13
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4
(1) 3...f6 13
(2) 3...f5 13
(3) 3...Bd6 13
(4) 3...Qe7 14
(5) 3...Qf6 14
(6) 3...d5 14
(7) 3...Nxd4 14
(8) 3...d6 14
4.Nxd4 Nxd4
A short discussion of 4...Bg4 15
(A) 4...Nxd4 5.Qxd4 Qf6 16
(1) 5...Ne7 17
(2) 5...c6 17
(3) 5...Qe7 17
(4) 5...c5 17
(5) 5...b6 17
(6) 5...d6 18
(7) 5...Nf6 18
(B) 4...Bge7 5.Nc3 Nxd4 22
(C) 4...d5 24
Illustrative Games 26
Chapter 2
Black Gives Up Space 32
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4
(A) 4...g6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Bc4 Bg7 7.0-0 Ne7 33
(1) 7...d6 35
(2) 7...Rb8 35
(3) 7...Qe7 36
3
The Scotch Game
Chapter 3
The Greedy Queen 56
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4
5 Nc3 Bb4 6 Be2
(A) 6...Qxe4 7.Ndb5 Bxc3+ 58
(1) 7...Qxg2 58
(2) 7...Nf6 58
(3) 7...Kd8 59
8.bxc3 Kd8 9.0-0
(A1) 9...a6 61
(A2) 9...Nf6 62
(B) 6...Nf6 7.Nf5 Qxe4 8.Nxg7+ Ke7 64
(1) 8...Kd8 64
(2) 8...Kf8 64
(C) 6...Nge7 7.0-0 0-0 65
(1) 7...a6 65
(2) 7...Ba5 65
(3) 7...d6 65
(4) 7...Bxc3 65
Illustrative Games 67
Chapter 4
The Bishop Defense 70
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Nxc6
(A) 5...bxc6 6.Bd3 d6 71
(1) 6...Ne7 71
(2) 6...d5 71
(3) 6...Nf6 72
(4) 6...Qh4 72
4
7.Nc3
(A1) 7...Nf6 73
(A2) 7...Ne7 75
(B) 5...Qf6 6.Qf3 77
(B1) 6...Qxc6 7.Nc3 77
(B1a) 7...Nf6 78
(B1b) 7...Ne7 78
(B2) 6...dxc6 7.Bc4 79
(B2a) 7...Be6 80
(B2b) 7...Qf3 81
(B2c) 7...Ne7 81
(B2d) 7...Qe7 82
(B3) 6...Qxf3 83
(B3a) 7...dxc6 8.Be3 83
(B3a1) 8...Bd6 84
(B3a2) 8...Be3 85
(B3b) 7...bxc6 8.Be3 86
(B3b1) 8...Bb6 86
(B3b2) 8...Bxe3 88
(B4) 6...bxc6 89
(B4a) 7.Be2 89
(B4b) 7.Nd2 92
(B4b1) 7...Qe7 93
(B4b2) 7...Rb8 94
(B4b3) 7...d5 95
(B4b4) 7...Qxf3 8.gxf3 d5 96
(1) 8...Be7 96
(2) 8...e7 96
(3) 8...Nf6 97
(B4b5) 7...d6 97
(B4b51) 8.d3 98
(B4b52) 8.Nb3 99
Illustrative Games 100
5
Chapter 5
The Miles or Zwischenschach Variation 100
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bb4+ 5.c3
(A) 5...Ba5 118
(B) 5...Be7 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 119
(B1) 7...Bf6 119
(B2) 7...Nf6 8.e5 Nd5 9.Qg4 g6 10.Bh6 120
(B2a) 10...Rb8 120
(B2b) 10...Bf8 121
(B2c) 10...d6 121
(B3) 7...d5 121
(C) 5...Bc5 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 122
(C1) 7...d6 122
(C2) 7...Qh4 124
(C3) 7...Ne7 125
Illustrative Games 127
Chapter 6
The Knight Defense 134
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6
5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.Bd3 d5
(A) 7.0-0 dxe4 135
(1) 7...Be6 136
(2) 7...Bg4 136
(3) 7...Be7 136
(B) 7.e5 127
(B1) 7...Qe7 127
(B2) 7...Nd7 8.0-0 138
(B2a) 8...Nc5 139
(B2b) 8...Be7 140
(B3) 7...Ng4 8.0-0 141
(B3a) 8...Qh4 141
(B3b) 8..Bc5 142
(B3b1) 9...Qh4 143
(B3b2) 9...Qe7 144
Illustrative Games 148
4
Chapter 7
The Mieses System 160
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6
5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7
(1) 6...Ng8 161
(2) 6...Nd5 7.c4 162
(2a) 7...Nb6 162
(2b) 7...Bb4+ 163
(2c) 7...Ne7 164
(3) 6...Ne4 7.Nd2
(3a) 7...Nxd2 8.Bd2 d5 9.Bd3 164
(3a1) 9...Be7 165
(3a2) 9...Be6 165
(3a3) 9...Qh4 165
(3a4) 9...Rb8 165
(3b) 7...Nc5 166
7.Qe2 Nd5 8.Nc3
(1) 8...d5 167
(2) 8...f6 167
(3) 8...g6 167
8.c4
(A) 8...Qb4+ 167
(B) 8...Nb6 9.Nc3 Ba6 169
9...Qb4 10.a3 Qb3 11.Qe4
11...Bc5 170
11...Ba6 170
9...Bb7 10.Bd2
(1) 10...g6 171
(2) 10...0-0-0 171
(B1) 9...a5 10.Qe4 Qe6 175
(B1a) 10...Ba6 175
(B1b) 10...a4 175
(B1c) 10...g6 175
(B2) 9...Qe6 10.Qe4 Ba6 11.b3
(B2a) 11...Bb4 177
(B2b) 11...0-0-0 179
7
The Scotch Game
8
Introduction
The Scotch Game is a solid positional opening, and has been used by both
world-class players and amateurs for two centuries. It became widely
popular after the 1824-28 correspondence match between the Edinburgh
and London Chess Clubs. It is entirely possible that this opening was used
even before that, but these games were published in the magazines and
guidebooks of the time and then indexed in the computer databases some
150 years later. The Scottish players, who had White, won the game, and
the opening was named in their honor. Interestingly, the line 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3
Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4, currently known as the Scotch Gambit, occurred in
two more games of that match. Edinburgh was White in one game, Black
in the other and scored 1½ points.
The idea behind the Scotch Game is simple and clear: White
methodically eliminates the e5-pawn that prevents him from dominating
in the center. After the exchange on d4, the resulting structure is
advantageous for White, because he still has a pawn in the center, while
his opponent does not. White controls more space, opens diagonals for
both his bishops, and can quickly and comfortably develop his pieces.
This structure does have a certain flaw: to trade the d4-pawn, White spends
an important tempo. Now, both sides are equal in their development (both
have a knight out), but it is Black to move. However, the initiative is a very
subtle thing. It can evaporate very quickly, while White’s more tangible
positional pluses – space advantage, dominance in the center – remain.
Theory, and any “pure science” for that matter, is a fascinating activity
for a small group of people who are so inclined, but in practice, we all
have to solve much more mundane tasks every day. Can you say, in all
honesty, that you know how to get an advantage for White in the Marshall
Attack? Do you have some killer novelties in the Open Ruy Lopez? Or
perhaps you know a clear way to win in the Berlin endgame or the
Jaenisch Gambit? If your surname is not Carlsen, Caruana, or
Nepomniachtchi, I really doubt that! The theory of the Ruy Lopez is
enormous, theoretical discussions are being held in every tournament and
are quite diverse (we have not even mentioned the systems with the bishop
going to c5, the Chigorin system, the Breyer, the Zaitsev, etc.) How to
remember all that? Where can a simple amateur find so much time and
energy?
The Scotch Game is attractive for White because he gets to choose the
preferred direction of the struggle, and Black is forced to adjust. And it
is not some “one-time gambit”: the opening is based on a solid positional
foundation. Here, you can choose relatively simple schemes for your
White repertoire in which it is enough to remember the basic plans and
typical maneuvers for both sides. Of course, the Scotch, like any other
modern opening, has some sharp lines with tempo-for-tempo play. One
needs to put in some effort to know all the subtleties, but, on the other
hand, you will get a great opportunity to catch your less-prepared
opponent unawares and get a serious advantage around move 12 or 15.
10
Introduction
It is important to point out that not every player gets around to choosing
and adopting a reliable defensive line against the Scotch. Of course, most
of the attention is now diverted to the Ruy Lopez and the equally
fashionable Italian Game. A lot of new games are played with these
openings, with many new ideas, and one needs to be constantly aware of
new developments. In such circumstances, not every player would have
enough time and energy even to refresh his existing knowledge, let alone
absorb something new. And this might lead even an experienced and
knowledgeable player to a quick catastrophe in the Scotch – it is
impossible to keep everything in one’s head at the same time! And this
is another important practical resource for White in this dangerous opening.
The book you now hold in your hands consists of seven chapters devoted
to various move orders. Every chapter contains comprehensive learning
material and illustrative games. To adopt a particular system, it is enough
to study the main lines, without going much into the details, and look
through the games – this will not take much time. After that, you can start
using the opening in faster games in your club or online. Having played
a dozen or so games in the Scotch, proceed to delve into the theoretical
section again and compare your play with the authors’ recommendations
– perhaps you will want to correct something. Using such a method, the
process of learning a new opening will be quick and enjoyable.
11
The Scotch Game
Before ending this introduction and getting to the concrete lines, let us
remind you of the aphorism of the legendary Danish grandmaster Bent
Larsen: “Long analysis, wrong analysis.” To be honest, shorter lines can
also be wrong, even though modern technologies allow us to minimize
the number of mistakes. The analyses and theoretical calculations in this
book do not of course exhaust the rich contents of the Scotch Game.
Check them, refute them, come up with ideas on your own!
The authors sincerely hope that The Scotch Game: A Repertoire for White
will enable you to hone your skill in independent opening work. Let this
important and interesting part of chess be pleasant for you and may it
bring you many beautiful tournament victories.
Alexei Bezgodov
Vladimir Barsky
March 2023
12
The Scotch Game
Chapter 2
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 Let’s clarify one important point
4.Nxd4 immediately. These two variations
cuuuuuuuuC can transpose into each other or be
{rdb1kgn4} played independently. For instance,
{0p0pdp0p} after 4...d6, Black will not be able
{wdndwdwd} to play ...d7-d5 in one move, but he
{dwdwdwdw} nevertheless retains other resources.
{wdwHPdwd}
With 4...g6, Black immediately puts
{dwdwdwdw} his cards on the table. 4...d6 is more
{P)Pdw)P)} flexible, Black still can develop his
{$NGQIBdR} bishop both to g7 and e7 (and from e7
vllllllllV it will still be able to get to the long
In this second chapter we shall study diagonal later – on every move White
two perfectly logical lines where will have to deal with the possibility
Black avoids a direct battle for the of ...Nf6-d7 and ...Be7-f6).
center and goes for harmonious
development of his kingside pieces. To make your study of the Scotch
These continuations are not too Game easier, we propose to meet
popular on the highest level, but 4...g6 and 4...d6 the same way:
occur rather frequently in the games 5.Nxc6. After 5...bxc6, a typical
of young talents and adult amateur pawn structure occurs that we shall
players because they do not require see repeatedly in this opening.
deep theoretical knowledge.
32
Black Gives Up Space
cuuuuuuuuC
{wdwdwdwd} Game. There is nothing wrong or
unusual in this – such things happen
{0w0pdpdp} all the time, and even players
{wdpdwdpd} themselves often fail to notice that
{dwdwdwdw} they have accidentally crossed the
{wdwdPdwd} “border.” However, an opening
{dwdwdwdw} monograph should not contain
{P)Pdw)P)} chapters devoted to other openings,
{dwdwdwdw} and it would be unfair to refer the
vllllllllV readers to other books. So, let’s
White has the more flexible pawn continue playing the Scotch!
structure, he controls more space
(which will become even more 5...bxc6
obvious after f2-f4 or even c2-c4).
Black’s doubled c-pawns and the One must love the endgame way too
isolated a7-pawn are potential much to voluntarily play 5...dxc6?!.
weaknesses. On the other hand, his This love is completely one-sided,
c- and d-pawns cover the entire however: after 6.Qxd8+ Kxd8
center, and Black can vary his pawn 7.Bc4, Black has no compensation
structure: he can either go for the for his ruined pawn structure and lag
d5-break or put his pawns on d6 and in development.
c5 and the bishops on b7 and g7. cuuuuuuuuC
The latter structure is especially {rdbiwgn4}
important if White plays c2-c4 – in {0p0wdpdp}
this case, Black will fight for the {wdpdwdpd}
central d4-square. All in all, a {dwdwdwdw}
positional struggle lies ahead, full {wdBdPdwd}
of various subtleties.
{dwdwdwdw}
We will not try to evaluate Black’s {P)Pdw)P)}
chances here. The only thing that’s {$NGwIwdR}
clear is that White still has the better vllllllllV
prospects in both cases. It is instructive to compare the
position in the diagram with the one
(A) 4...g6 5.Nxc6 that defines the incredibly popular
Berlin Endgame (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6
5.Nc3 is another good move for 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.0-0 Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6
White, but then we will have left the 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+
territory of the Scotch and entered Kxd8).
the “land” of the Three Knights’
33
The Scotch Game
cuuuuuuuuC
{rdbiwgw4} possible, but she is still facing a
lengthy and difficult defense (Lujan-
{0p0wdp0p} Lematschko, Calvia 2004).
{wdpdwdwd}
{dwdw)ndw} No better is 7...f6 8.Be3 Bd6
{wdwdwdwd} 9.Nd2 Ke7 10.0-0 b5?! (this
{dwdwdNdw} pseudo-active move only leads to
{P)Pdw)P)} new queenside weaknesses) 11.Bb3
{$NGwdRIw} Be6 12.f4 h6 13.Rae1 Bxb3
vllllllllV 14.Nxb3y. White is in full control
The pawn structure is very similar: of the center and will soon seize the
White essentially has an extra pawn c5-square, after which the e4-e5
in the center (in a hypothetical pawn break will be especially unpleasant
endgame, White’s three queenside (Beltugov-Podvalnikov, Perm
pawns will easily contain the four 1998).
black pawns). The similarity is
compounded by the fact that the Has it been proven that Black should
black king is also stuck in the center. necessarily lose after this queen
But the Berlin provides Black with trade? No. But for White, this line
very serious compensation for those is a boon and a rare streak of luck.
disadvantages: the bishop pair in an
6.Bc4
open position. In addition, the e5-
pawn has advanced too far (the f5-
The most natural move – the bishop
and d5-squares may serve as good
controls the d5-square and targets
outposts for the black pieces) and is
f7. In the event of 6.Qd4 Qf6, Black
placed on a dark square, severely
limiting the only remaining white has no problems. For instance, 7.e5
bishop. Qe6!, and 8.Bc4 can be met with
8...d5!.
Let’s get back to our Scotch
endgame now. White has a dream In many lines with a similar pawn
position here. It is somewhat structure, White prefers to develop
baffling that such a strong and the bishop to d3, solidly protecting
experienced player as Tatjana the e4-pawn and quickly preparing
Lematschko, former women’s world an attack in the center (f2-f4, then
championship contender, tried to f4-f5 or e4-e5). As a rule, it is not
hold this for Black (rather especially advisable to put the
unsuccessfully): 7...Be6 8.Bxe6 bishop on d3 until Black plays ...d7-
fxe6 9.0-0 Bg7 10.c3 Ke8 11.Bf4 d6, because Black will be able to
Rc8 12.Nd2 Ne7 13.Nb3 b6 14.a4 play ...d7-d5 in one go and equalize.
c5 15.Nd2 Nc6 16.Nc4r. Black has For instance, 6...Bg7 7.0-0 Ne7 8.f4
reinforced her position as well as d5! – in the few games played in this
34
Black Gives Up Space
line, Black did not suffer much cover and makes castling short more
trouble. difficult. 8...Nf6? is completely bad
on account of 9.e5! dxe5 10.Qxd8+
Another argument in favor of Kxd8 11.Bxf7y; 9...Ng4 10.exd6
6.Bc4: Black had already played 0-0 11.Ne4 Qh4 12.Bf4 Nxh2?
...g7-g6, and this means that the 13.g3! Qh3 14.Ng5 and Black
f8-bishop will soon appear on g7. It resigned because his queen is
is good for White to trade this trapped (Jakovenko-Diehl, St.
bishop off, weakening his Ingbert 1995); after 10...cxd6
opponent’s kingside. To do that, it 11.Re1+, Black, in a poor position,
is necessary to get the c1-bishop to loses the right to castle. For 8...Qe7
d4. If the other bishop is placed on – see 7...Qe7 8.Nc3 d6.
d3, however, this maneuver is quite
difficult to carry out. Let’s get back to the attempt to trade
bishops: 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.Be3 Ne7
6...Bg7 7.0-0 11.Qf3! (not allowing his opponent
cuuuuuuuuC to hide his king on g8) 11...Qd7
{rdb1kdn4} 12.Rad1 (12.Rab1!?) 12...e5 13.h4
{0w0pdpgp} Qe6 14.Bg5 h6 15.Bxe7 Kxe7
(Votava-Hracek, Karvina 1989).
{wdpdwdpd} Here, White could get a real
{dwdwdwdw} advantage with the unobvious
{wdBdPdwd} 16.Ne2; the knight is clearly more
{dwdwdwdw} active than the sad black bishop.
{P)Pdw)P)}
{$NGQdRIw} Retreating to b3 with the bishop is
vllllllllV also possible – see the Illustrative
7...Ne7 Games.
Black wants to get his king to safety (2) 7...Rb8. By attacking the b2-
as soon as possible and prepares to pawn Black tries to stop his
castle without getting involved in opponent from calmly developing
any clashes in the center. his queenside. But White has a
simple antidote: he puts his knight
Let’s look at other possible plans: on c3, closing off the long diagonal,
(1) 7...d6 8.Nc3 Be6. Releasing the then retreats the c4-bishop to b3; b2
pressure from the f7-square and is out of danger after this. Because
trading off his opponent’s most of that, the active rook move may
active piece. But at the same time, prove a far from obvious, but
Black weakens his king’s pawn important, waste of time.
35