The Paulsen 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 Qh4 5. Nf5, 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.
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The Paulsen Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 5. Nf5. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C45.
The Paulsen 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 Qh4 5. Nf5 at -0.57 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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 one minor pieces each. It is Black to move.