The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack, Spielmann Defense is a variation of the Italian Game, catalogued as ECO C56. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5 6. e5 Ng4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; 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.
See all 152 Italian Game variations →
The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack, Spielmann Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5 6. e5 Ng4. It is a variation of the Italian Game and is catalogued as ECO C56.
The Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack, Spielmann Defense is ECO C56. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Italian Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5 6. e5 Ng4 at +0.60 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.