Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nb5 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxe4+ 7.Be2 Kd8 8.O-O Bxd2 9.Qxd2. White: knight on b5, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, queen on d2, bishop on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, king on d8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, queen on e4.
Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nb5 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxe4+ 7.Be2 Kd8 8.O-O Bxd2 9.Qxd2. It is classified C45 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Scotch Game strikes in the centre immediately with 3.d4, opening the position before Black completes development. It is a practical alternative to the Ruy Lopez, giving open positions and far less theory to learn.
Strategic character
Open and piece-driven. The early central exchange releases the tension quickly, so play is decided by piece activity rather than pawn structure — a very different game from the slow manoeuvring of the Spanish.
Who should play it
1.e4 players who want open, tactical positions without committing to the theoretical depth of the Ruy Lopez.
This line is a variation within the Scotch Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nb5 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxe4+ 7.Be2 Kd8 8.O-O Bxd2 9.Qxd2.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation?
The Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nb5 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxe4+ 7.Be2 Kd8 8.O-O Bxd2 9.Qxd2. It is classified C45 in the ECO system. The Scotch Game strikes in the centre immediately with 3.d4, opening the position before Black completes development. It is a practical alternative to the Ruy Lopez, giving open positions and far less theory to learn.
What are the moves of the Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nb5 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxe4+ 7.Be2 Kd8 8.O-O Bxd2 9.Qxd2. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Blackburne Variation good for beginners?
1.e4 players who want open, tactical positions without committing to the theoretical depth of the Ruy Lopez.