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From	Message
neilskye 05-Feb-08, 11:27	Scotch Game How do people feel about this as an opening (1.e4 e5; 2.Nf3 Nc6; 3.d4 exd4; 4.Nxd4) It was generally considered to be a vastly inferior opening to the likes of the Ruy Lopez, but in 1993 it was used by Kasparov with great success in his World Championship match with Nigel Short. I may be setting up a mini-tournament in thie opening at some stage, or in some particular variation if desired, depending on people being interested, but I would like some fruitful discussion and to hear some opinions about which are the best lines etc.
jcasazza 07-Feb-08, 16:31	Scotch game I dont use it as much as i used to, but i still use it alot. I dont think its a poor opening at all. The Scotch Game received its name from a correspondence match in 1824 between Edinburgh and London. Recently the Scotch has regained some popularity and it has been used by grandmasters Kasparov and Timman as a surprise weapon to avoid the well-analyzed Ruy Lopez. After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4, the most important continuations are 4.Nxd4 (Main Line) 4...Bc5 4...Nf6 4...Qh4!? (Steinitz) 4.Bc4 (Scotch Gambit) 4.c3 (Göring Gambit) Steinitz's 4...Qh4!? almost wins a pawn by force, but White gets a lead in development and attacking chances as compensation. The Göring Gambit is not popular at master level, as its soundness is open to question and Black also has the equalising option 4...d5, but it remains popular at club level where it gives White reasonable practical chances.

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