Chess opening · ECO C45
Scotch Game: Classical Variation
The Scotch Game: Classical Variation starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5. It ranks #115 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... exd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the e-pawn.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight. It now attacks the knight on c6.
- 4... Bc5Black develops the dark-squared bishop to c5. It now attacks the knight on d4.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nxc6; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Nb3.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nxc6 74% | Be3 26% | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nxc6 65% | Be3 23% | c3 8% |
| 1400–1599 | Nxc6 57% | Be3 29% | c3 7% |
| 1600–1799 | Nxc6 44% | Be3 42% | c3 7% |
| 1800–1999 | Be3 43% | Nxc6 41% | Nb3 8% |
| 2000 and up | Nb3 42% | Be3 38% | Nxc6 20% |
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