For an introduction to the Scotch, watch this video on the basics: https://youtu.be/wAKWIie29YM
Practice the Scotch Repertoire here: https://app.noctie.ai/repertoires/0af31960-e98e-49a0-9ac8-d81188223077?aff=q9yKD
Repertoire PGN available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/scotch-for-white-142240709
A repertoire for White in the Scotch. Instead of the more common Spanish or Italian, attack 1…e5 players like Kasparov!
If you decide to upgrade to Premium on https://noctie.ai/?aff=q9yKD, use the code HANGINGPAWNS to get a 64% discount, or the code HPYEAR for 20% off the (already discounted) yearly membership.
6 Best Books on the Scotch:
The Scotch Game: A White Repertoire, Bezgodov, Barsky: https://amzn.to/3WIrOM4
The Modern Scotch, Khalifman, Soloviov: https://amzn.to/42Npg2J
The Scotch Game Explained, Lane: https://amzn.to/4nRBS1b
The Scotch Gambit: An Energetic and Aggressive System for White, Fishbein: https://amzn.to/42Lgrqb
The Scotch Game, Dembo, Palliser: https://amzn.to/4haSVZy
Starting Out: The Scotch Game, Emms: https://amzn.to/4ohqMlS
The Scotch Game got its name after a correspondence match played between London and Edinburgh in the 19th century. During the romantic era of chess, up until 1900, it was considered a sound opening and frequently used. It was even featured in opening manuals at the time.
This is a repertoire for white in which I cover what I think is the best way to fight each of black’s defenses against the Scotch game.
When classical chess started to develop, the Scotch got left out and it was considered to be bad for white because it allows black to equalize comfortably and without even trying. It was sporadically played in the 20th century, and never really as a main opening or on the highest level. Until Garry Kasparov. During his 1990 match against Karpov, Kasparov played the Scotch to everyone’s surprise. He wanted to avoid the Ruy Lopez perhaps. His preparation was immaculate and his ideas sound and aggressive. He caught Karpov off guard and scored 1.5/2 in their first two games in the Scotch.
Later on, the opening was taken seriously again, and slowly but surely it began to be played on all levels and it was considered a good weapon for white against the king’s pawn.
The idea behind the Scotch is simple. White is trying to release central tension and trade his d pawn for black’s e5 pawn, thus reducing black’s central control and giving his pawn a possibility to advance. The result is a game completely different to the closed Spanish or Italian position.
0:00 Introduction and important structures
07:27 Four Knights Scotch
19:03 Classical Scotch
29:56 Malaniuk Variation
35:17 Sidelines: Qf6, Qh4, Nxd4, g6
These are affiliate links, and I receive a small commission for any purchases you make through these links. By using the links you help support the channel. Thank you!
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.