The Scotch begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4, immediately striking at the center to create open, tactical play and avoid slower maneuvering of the Ruy Lopez/Italian.
Explore main branches: Classical (4...Bc5), Schmidt (4...Nf6), Steinitz (4...Qh4), Gottschall (4...Qf6), Potter (4...Bb4+), Malaniuk (4...g6), plus the Scotch Gambit, Göring Gambit, and Scotch Four Knights.