Scotch Game: Classical Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5

ECO C45

The Scotch Game: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Scotch Game complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5.

It is catalogued under code C45 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bc5 is chosen by Black on move 4.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Blackburne Attack and the Intermezzo Variation.

Named variations

• Scotch Game: Classical Variation, Blackburne Attack — ECO C45
• Scotch Game: Classical Variation, Intermezzo Variation — ECO C45
• Scotch Game: Classical Variation, Millennium Variation — ECO C45

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.