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Scotch Game

Vitzthum Attack

C44gambitaggressivetactical

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4exd4
  4. 4.Bc4Bc5
  5. 5.Ng5Nh6
  6. 6.Qh5
1,486 games50%48%

A sharp Scotch Gambit line in which White adds the queen to the assault on f7 with 6. Qh5; engines favor Black, though practical results are level.

Train it in Theoria

About the Vitzthum Attack

The Vitzthum Attack extends the Sarratt Variation of the Scotch Gambit, 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. Ng5 Nh6. Instead of trading minor pieces, White brings the queen to h5 so that bishop, knight and queen all bear on f7, while still a pawn down. Engines give Black a clear advantage, yet practical results are almost even. Castling with 6...O-O is the usual answer, and 6...Qf6 scores best for Black.

Popular continuations