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

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack Accepted is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C56. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. exf6 dxc4 8. Re1+ Be6 9. fxg7, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is Black to move after nine moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; White has doubled pawns on the g-file; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.

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.

Position characteristics

• Bishop pair
• Doubled pawns
• Isolated pawn
• Open file
• Black development lead

Related Italian Game lines

• Scotch Gambit, Double Gambit Accepted
• Scotch Gambit, Janowski Defense
• Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack
• Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack
• Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack, Long Variation
• Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack, Spielmann Defense
• Scotch Gambit, Nakhmanson Gambit
• Scotch Gambit, Walbrodt-Baird Gambit
• Classical Variation, Albin Gambit
• Deutz Gambit
• Giuoco Pianissimo
• Giuoco Pianissimo, Canal Variation

See all 152 Italian Game variations →

Frequently asked questions

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

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack Accepted goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. exf6 dxc4 8. Re1+ Be6 9. fxg7. 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 Accepted?

The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack Accepted 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 Accepted good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 d5 7. exf6 dxc4 8. Re1+ Be6 9. fxg7 at +0.50 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.

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

Black holds the centre with pawns on d4. Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; White has doubled pawns on the g-file; Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.