Scotch Game: Classical Variation, Millennium Variation (C45)

The Classical Variation, Millennium Variation 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. c3 Qg6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White 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: Classical Variation, Millennium Variation — position after Qg6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Qg6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4Nxd4Bc5
5Be3Qf6
6c3Qg6

ECO: C45

Stockfish: +0.24 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Millennium Variation?

The Classical Variation, Millennium Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Qg6. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Millennium Variation?

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

Is the Classical Variation, Millennium Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Qg6 at +0.24 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 Classical Variation, Millennium Variation lead to?

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