How to beat the Scotch Game

White opens the centre at once with 3.d4. It's direct and active, with fewer slow manoeuvres than the Italian or the Ruy Lopez.

Three plans that work

1. Play 4...Nf6 or 4...Bc5

Both develop fast and hit e4 or d4. 4...Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 is sharp but sound.

2. Use your development lead

White spends tempi in the centre, so castle quickly and hit back with ...d5.

3. Don't fear the pawn structure

...bxc6 gives Black a strong centre and the open b-file.

A line to play

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 5.Be3 Qf6 6.c3 Nge7

The pitfall

Early queen moves can be hit by Nb5 tricks. Calculate first.

What the data says

In 36 recent games of the top 100 titled Lichess players featuring the Scotch Game, they scored 78% on average. Players who use it most: GM HowellHub (81%), FM Squoznyak (77%), IM rehbwf (71%).

Prepare against the actual player

Averages only go so far. A Scotch Game player has their own pet variations and weak spots. Before your next game, get a free fingerprint of your opponent, or get the full prep report ($5): every variation they play, where they score worst, and a game plan for both colours.