Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack (C56)

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C56. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 d5 6. Bb5 Ne4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4 and d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.

On the Italian Game generally: A classical opening focusing on rapid development and control of the center with pieces.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack — position after Ne4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 d5 6. Bb5 Ne4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bc4Nf6
4d4exd4
5e5d5
6Bb5Ne4

ECO: C56

Stockfish: +0.18 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Italian Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack?

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 d5 6. Bb5 Ne4. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C56.

What is the ECO code for the Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack?

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack is ECO C56. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.

Is the Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 d5 6. Bb5 Ne4 at +0.18 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.

What kind of position does the Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4 and d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.