A classical opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) that immediately fights for the center. Popular at all levels from beginner to World Champion. Kasparov famously used it to beat Karpov in their 1990 World Championship match.
The most popular response in Masters games. Black develops the bishop actively and challenges White's center.
The Classical Variation is the most principled response to the Scotch Game. Black develops the bishop to an active diagonal, putting pressure on f2 and controlling key central squares.
The most popular response on Lichess. Black immediately attacks the e4 pawn and creates tactical complications.
The Schmidt Variation is the most popular choice online. Black immediately attacks e4, forcing White to make a decision about the center.
An aggressive counter-attacking choice. Black immediately targets e4 and creates threats. Named after World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz.
The Steinitz Variation is an aggressive choice that immediately attacks e4 and eyes the h4-e1 diagonal. Named after the first World Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz.
The Steinitz is playable but slightly dubious at the highest level. It's more popular in faster time controls where the surprise value counts.
A solid check that forces White to block before developing. Named after Ukrainian GM Vladimir Malaniuk.
The Malaniuk Variation is a solid choice where Black gives check before developing. It forces White to block with either c3 or Bd2, gaining a tempo.
A practical choice that avoids heavy theory. Popular among club players who want a solid position without memorizing sharp lines.