Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Schmid Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Nxe4

ECO C47

The Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Schmid Defense is a chess opening line in the Four Knights Game complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Nxe4.

It is catalogued under code C47 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nxe4 is chosen by Black on move 5.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Scotch Opening course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.