Scotch Game: Blumenfeld Attack (C45)

The Blumenfeld Attack is a variation of the Scotch Game, catalogued as ECO C45. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. Nb5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Scotch Game generally: An open game where White immediately challenges Black's center. Leads to active piece play.

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.

Scotch Game: Blumenfeld Attack — position after Nb5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. Nb5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4Nxd4Bc5
5Be3Qf6
6Nb5

ECO: C45

Stockfish: -0.61 at depth 18

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Related Scotch Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Blumenfeld Attack?

The Blumenfeld Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. Nb5. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.

What is the ECO code for the Blumenfeld Attack?

The Blumenfeld Attack is ECO C45. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Scotch Game.

Is the Blumenfeld Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. Nb5 at -0.61 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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 Blumenfeld Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.