What are the moves of the Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation?

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4. After these moves it is white to move.

What variations come from the Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation?

Named continuations include Scotch Game: Braune Variation, Scotch Game: Fraser Variation, Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Scotch Game: Paulsen Variation, Scotch Game: Modern Defense. There are 7 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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Chess Openings

Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 · ECO C45

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Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4. It is classified C45 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white 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.

This position can also be reached by another move order, including 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4 5.Nc3.

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.

Variations continuing from this position

Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation?: The Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4. 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: Steinitz Variation?: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation good for beginners?: 1.e4 players who want open, tactical positions without committing to the theoretical depth of the Ruy Lopez.
What variations come from the Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation?: Named continuations include Scotch Game: Braune Variation, Scotch Game: Fraser Variation, Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack, Scotch Game: Paulsen Variation, Scotch Game: Modern Defense. There are 7 named variations reachable from this position in total.