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Scotch Game

Paulsen Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4exd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Qh4
  5. 5.Nf5
27 games37%63%

A rare Scotch Game sideline where White meets the Steinitz queen sortie 4...Qh4 with 5. Nf5, allowing Black to win the e4-pawn with check.

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About the Paulsen Variation

The Paulsen Variation is an uncommon branch of the Steinitz Variation of the Scotch Game. White answers 4...Qh4 with 5. Nf5 and attacks the queen with the knight instead of protecting e4. The move leaves the e-pawn unguarded, and Black takes it with check by 5...Qxe4+, the reply in every recorded game. The engine gives Black a slight advantage, and Black has scored heavily in the small number of online games.

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