Scotch Four Knights: 4...Nf6 5.Nc3 is variation 4 of 5 in the Scotch Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C47). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. White develops with 5.Nc3, Black pins it with ...Bb4, and after the exchange on c6 and ...d5, both sides open the centre. White's plan is Bg5 and Qf3, putting pressure on the f6 knight and d5. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. d4 – Opens the centre.
3... exd4 – Black takes.
4. Nxd4 – Recaptures with the knight.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
5. Nc3 – Defends e4 and develops; this is also reached via the Four Knights move order.
5... Bb4 – Pins the c3 knight, increasing pressure on e4.
6. Nxc6 – Trades knights before playing Bd3, so the c6 knight cannot use d4.
6... bxc6 – Recaptures toward the centre, preparing ...d5.
7. Bd3 – Defends e4 and develops toward the kingside.
7... d5 – Black strikes in the centre.
8. exd5 – Exchanges in the centre, opening the e-file toward Black's king.
8... cxd5 – Recaptures; Black has a strong pawn on d5.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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