The Ghulam-Kassim 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 Nxd4 5. Qxd4 d6 6. Bd3, 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.
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The Ghulam-Kassim Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nxd4 5. Qxd4 d6 6. Bd3. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.
The Ghulam-Kassim Variation is ECO C45. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Scotch Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nxd4 5. Qxd4 d6 6. Bd3 at +0.49 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.