The main line of the Schmidt Variation. White gains space but Black gets active piece play.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 - See Scotch Game introduction.
4...Nf6 - Schmidt Variation. Black immediately attacks e4, forcing White to address the center.
5.Nxc6 - White exchanges knights, damaging Black's pawn structure but giving up the centralized knight.
5...bxc6 - Black recaptures, getting doubled c-pawns but opening the b-file for the rook.
6.e5 - White pushes forward, attacking the knight and gaining space. The pawn cramps Black's position.
6...Qe7 - Black defends the knight and eyes the e5 pawn. The queen supports ...Nd5.
7.Qe2 - White defends e5 and prepares queenside castling. The queen also supports the h4 push.
7...Nd5 - The knight repositions to an excellent central square, controlling key squares.
8.h4 - White prepares h5 to harass Black's kingside and gain space.
White's plan: Use space advantage with h4-h5, maintain e5 as a cramping device, attack on kingside.
Black's plan: Use the bishop pair in the open position, target e5 pawn, seek tactical opportunities.
Famous game: Carlsen vs Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2011
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.