Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Scotch Game

Classical Variation, Blackburne Attack

C45offbeatpositional

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4exd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Bc5
  5. 5.Be3Qf6
  6. 6.c3Nge7
  7. 7.Qd2
379 games50%45%

A Scotch Game line in the Classical Variation where White meets 6...Nge7 with 7. Qd2, reinforcing d4 and e3; a rare, roughly balanced sideline.

Train it in Theoria

About the Blackburne Attack

The Blackburne Attack, 7. Qd2, is one of White's alternatives to the main line 7. Bc4 in the traditional 5. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 system of the Classical Variation. The queen adds a defender to the knight on d4 along the d-file and supports the bishop on e3. Black most often castles with 7...O-O, while 7...d6 and 7...h6 are the other common replies. The engine rates the position as balanced, and draws are rare in practice.

Popular continuations