June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is the Scotch Game?

Looking for a new opening to learn? Discover the Scotch Game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Scotch Game: 2 quick facts

- Named after a correspondence chess game played between Scotland and England, the Scotch Game has been played by [Garry Kasparov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Kasparov?ref=blog.duolingo.com), among other greats.
- It’s a [dynamic](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#dynamic) opening suitable for beginners and [grandmasters](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/) alike.

## Scotch Game: the moves

Here are the moves for the Scotch Game:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4

Note that 4. Bc4 leads to the Scotch Gambit, a [sharp](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sharp), [attacking](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#attacking) [gambit](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#gambit) that can result in early [checkmates](https://preview.duolingo.com/chess/terms/what-is-checkmate-in-chess?ref=blog.duolingo.com) among beginner and intermediate players if not careful!

## Discover what the Scotch has to offer

The Scotch Game is perhaps best for players who are willing to put in the time to learn the [mainlines](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#mainline), but offers rewarding [tactical](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#tactical) and [positional](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#positional) possibilities.

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!