The Paulsen, Gunsberg Defense 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 Nge7 7. Bb5 Nd8, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven 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 Paulsen, Gunsberg Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 7. Bb5 Nd8. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.
The Paulsen, Gunsberg Defense 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 Bc5 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 7. Bb5 Nd8 at +0.68 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 three minor pieces each. It is White to move.