The Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Modern Defense is a variation of the Four Knights Game, catalogued as ECO C47. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 Nxe4 6. Qe2 f5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file; the e-file file is fully open.
On the Four Knights Game generally: A symmetrical opening leading to equal but interesting positions. Good for beginners.
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The Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Modern Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 Nxe4 6. Qe2 f5. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C47.
The Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Modern Defense is ECO C47. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Four Knights Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 Nxe4 6. Qe2 f5 at -0.31 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file; the e-file file is fully open.