The Scotch Game obtained its name following a correspondence match in 1824 held between Edinburgh and London. Although it gained popularity during the 19th century, by 1900, the Scotch Game had fallen out of favor among skilled players due to the belief that it resolved the central tension too early, allowing Black to easily achieve equality. However, in the 20th century, grandmasters Garry Kasparov and Jan Timman played a significant role in revitalizing interest in the Scotch Game by employing it as an unexpected strategy to circumvent the extensively analyzed Ruy López opening.
If the Scotch Game became one of your favorite openings to play as White, you should be ready for the Steinitz Variation, as the surprise queen’s strike can cause troubles if not met with a proper response.
1. e4 e5 2. ♘f3 ♞c6 3. d4 exd4 4. ♘xd4 ♛h4!?
The following game contains detailed comments of the most important lines, and suggests the right way to keep an advantage as White: