Scotch Game
White opens the center before developing the kingside bishop. Central pieces can become active quickly, but exposed pieces can also be attacked with tempo; count threats after each exchange.
Your plan as White
Use d4 to open the center and gain active squares for your pieces. Check tactics along the e-file after exchanges.
The opponent’s plan
Develop with tempo against White's centralized pieces, while avoiding unnecessary repeated queen moves.
Watch out: An active-looking knight can become a target if the supporting pieces are still at home.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
The name is associated with the Edinburgh–London correspondence match begun in 1824. Earlier analysis appeared in del Rio's 1750 treatise.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.