THE SCOTCH GAME AND SCOTCH GAMBIT.

Next in importance to the Ruy Lopez and the Vienna Opening is the Scotch, an Opening very frequently adopted in matches and tournaments. If after 1. P to K 4, P to K 4; 2. Kt to K B 3, Kt to Q B 3; White plays 3. P to Q 4, it is called the Scotch Game. Black's best move is 3. ... P takes P (not 3. ... Kt takes P), and White can either retake the Pawn or leave it. In the latter case the Opening becomes the Scotch Gambit. The former Opening is considered sounder than the latter, and for that reason is met with more frequently nowadays. Formerly, when Gambits generally were more in vogue, the Scotch Gambit enjoyed corresponding popularity. A few of the most essential variations of this interesting Opening follow. First, of the Scotch game.

WHITE.BLACK.
1.P to K 41.P to K 4
2.Kt to K B 32.Kt to Q B 3
3.P to Q 43.P takes P
4.Kt takes P4.Kt to B 3
5.Kt to Q B 35.B to Kt 5
6.Kt takes Kt6.Kt P takes Kt
7.Q to Q 47.Q to K 2
8.P to B 38.P to B 4
9.Q to K 39.Castles.
Even game.
Second Variation.
Repeat the Opening up to Black's 4th move.
4.
...
B to B 4
5.
B to K 3
Q to B 3
6.
P to Q B 3
K Kt to K 2
7.
Q to Q 2
B takes Kt
8.
P takes B
P to Q 4
9.
Kt to B 3
P takes P
10.
P to Q 5
Kt to Kt sq.
11.
Kt takes P
...
Even game.
Third Variation.
Repeat Opening as before.
4.
...
Kt takes Kt
5.
Q takes Kt
Q to B 3
6.
P to K 5
Q to Q Kt 3
7.
B to K 3
Q takes Q
8.
B takes Q
...
Even game.