Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation (C44)

The Scotch Gambit, Advance 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. Bc4 Nf6 5. e5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.

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: Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation — position after e5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4Bc4Nf6
5e5

ECO: C44

Stockfish: +0.15 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Scotch Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation?

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

What is the ECO code for the Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation?

The Scotch Gambit, Advance 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 Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. e5 at +0.15 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 Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.