The Scotch Variation, Schmid 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. Nxd4 Nxe4, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. 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, Schmid Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Nxe4. It is a variation of the Four Knights Game and is catalogued as ECO C47.
The Scotch Variation, Schmid 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. Nxd4 Nxe4 at +0.37 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, 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.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. The e-file file is fully open.