The most popular response. White blocks the check and prepares to support d4.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 - See Scotch Game introduction.
4...Bb4+ - Malaniuk Variation. Named after Ukrainian GM Vladimir Malaniuk. Black gives check to disrupt White's development.
5.c3 - Most popular. White blocks the check and prepares to support a future d4 pawn. The pawn on c3 also controls d4.
5...Be7 - Black retreats the bishop. Staying on b4 after 6.cxb4 would lose the bishop.
6.Nxc6 - White exchanges knights, damaging Black's pawn structure.
6...bxc6 - Black recaptures, getting doubled pawns but maintaining the bishop pair.
White's plan: Build a strong pawn center with d4, develop pieces to active squares, target Black's weakened queenside.
Black's plan: Complete development with ...Nf6 and ...d6, use the bishop pair, repair pawn structure with ...d5.
Assessment: Solid and positional. Good for players who prefer quieter positions with strategic play.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.