Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Sarratt Variation (C44)

The Scotch Gambit, Sarratt 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. Ng5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, 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.

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Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Sarratt Variation — position after Ng5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Ng5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4exd4
4Bc4Bc5
5Ng5

ECO: C44

Stockfish: +0.07 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Scotch Game lines

Frequently asked questions

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

The Scotch Gambit, Sarratt Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Ng5. It is a variation of the Scotch Game and is catalogued as ECO C44.

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

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

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Ng5 at +0.07 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, Sarratt Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, 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.