Scotch Game: Horwitz Attack (C45)

The Horwitz 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 Qh4 5. Nb5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five 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: Horwitz Attack — position after Nb5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nb5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4Nxd4Qh4
5Nb5

ECO: C45

Stockfish: +0.34 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Horwitz Attack?

The Horwitz Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nb5. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.

What is the ECO code for the Horwitz Attack?

The Horwitz 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 Horwitz Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nb5 at +0.34 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.

What kind of position does the Horwitz Attack lead to?

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