The main response to the Steinitz Variation. White develops while defending.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 - See Scotch Game introduction.
4...Qh4 - Steinitz Variation. Named after the first World Champion. Black immediately attacks e4 and eyes the h4-e1 diagonal.
5.Nc3 - Most popular. White develops with tempo potential, defending e4 indirectly.
5...Bb4 - Black pins the knight, maintaining pressure on e4 and the center.
6.Be2 - White unpins and prepares to castle. The bishop can later support an attack.
White's plan: Castle quickly to safety, use the lead in development, exploit Black's exposed queen.
Black's plan: Complete development with ...Nf6 or ...Nge7, consider ...Qxe4 if allowed, maintain pin pressure.
Critical position: Black must be careful not to overextend with the queen. If 6...Qxe4?? 7.Ndb5 wins material.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.