Steinitz Variation: 4...Qh4 is variation 5 of 5 in the Scotch Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C45). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Qh4 …. Black's queen attacks e4 and f2 at once. White's best is 5.Nb5!, hitting c7, and if Black grabs the e4 pawn White gets a big lead in development while Black's king is stuck in the centre. 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... Qh4 – The Steinitz: the queen attacks e4 and eyes f2.
5. Nb5 – Counter-attacks: the knight threatens Nxc7+, forking king and rook.
5... Bb4+ – Check, gaining time and preparing ...Qxe4.
6. Bd2 – Blocks the check and offers the e4 pawn for development.
6... Qxe4+ – Black takes the pawn with check.
7. Be2 – Blocks the check and develops; White threatens Nxc7+.
7... Kd8 – The only good way to defend c7; Black gives up castling.
8. O-O – White castles; the bishop on b4 is attacked by the d2 bishop and Black is behind in development.
8... Bxd2 – Black trades so the b4 bishop is not lost.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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