Scotch Game: Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation (C44)

The Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation is a variation of the Scotch Game, catalogued as ECO C44. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. Nxc3 Bb4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. 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: Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation — position after Bb4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. Nxc3 Bb4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4c3dxc3
5Bc4Nf6
6Nxc3Bb4

ECO: C44

Stockfish: +0.09 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Scotch Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation?

The Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. Nxc3 Bb4. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C44.

What is the ECO code for the Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation?

The Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation is ECO C44. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Scotch Game.

Is the Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. Nxc3 Bb4 at +0.09 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 Göring Gambit, Bardeleben Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.