The Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen 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 Bc5 5. O-O d6 6. c3 Bg4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; 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.
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The Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. O-O d6 6. c3 Bg4. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C44.
The Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation is ECO C44. 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. Bc4 Bc5 5. O-O d6 6. c3 Bg4 at -0.14 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.