Chapter 2 Black Gives Up Space 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 [diagram] In this second chapter we shall study two perfectly logical lines where Black avoids a direct battle for the center and goes for harmonious development of his kingside pieces. These continuations are not too popular on the highest level, but occur rather frequently in the games of young talents and adult amateur players because they do not require deep theoretical knowledge. Let's clarify one important point immediately. These two variations can transpose into each other or be played independently.

For instance, after 4.d6, Black will not be able to play .d7-d5 in one move, but he nevertheless retains other resources. With 4.g6, Black immediately puts his cards on the table. 4.d6 is more flexible, Black still can develop his bishop both to g7 and e7 (and from e7 it will still be able to get to the long diagonal later - on every move White will have to deal with the possibility of .Nf6-d7 and .

Be7-f6). To make your study of the Scotch Game easier, we propose to meet 4.g6 and 4.d6 the same way: 5.Nxc6. After 5.bxc6, a typical pawn structure occurs that we shall see repeatedly in this opening. [diagram] White has the more flexible pawn structure, he controls more space (which will become even more obvious after f2-f4 or even c2-c4).

Black's doubled c-pawns and the isolated a7-pawn are potential weaknesses. On the other hand, his c- and d-pawns cover the entire center, and Black can vary his pawn structure: he can either go for the d5-break or put his pawns on d6 and c5 and the bishops on b7 and g7. The latter structure is especially important if White plays c2-c4 - in this case, Black will fight for the central d4-square. All in all, a positional struggle lies ahead, full of various subtleties. We will not try to evaluate Black's chances here. The only thing that's clear is that White still has the better prospects in both cases. (A) 4.g6 5.

Nxc6 5.Nc3 is another good move for White, but then we will have left the territory of the Scotch and entered the "land" of the Three Knights' Game. There is nothing wrong or unusual in this - such things happen all the time, and even players themselves often fail to notice that they have accidentally crossed the "border." However, an opening monograph should not contain chapters devoted to other openings, and it would be unfair to refer the readers to other books. So, let's continue playing the Scotch! 5.bxc6.