Scotch Game: Classical Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5
5. Nb3+0.35
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Scotch Game: Classical Variation (C45), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5, Stockfish 18 recommends 5. Nb3 for White. White is slightly better (+0.35).
Top engine moves
- +0.355. Nb3 Bb6 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Qe2 d6 8. Be3 Qe7 9. O-O-O Be6
- +0.275. Nxc6 Qf6 6. Qf3 bxc6 7. Nc3 Bd4 8. Be2 d6 9. Qg3 h5
- +0.155. Be3 Qf6 6. c3 Nge7 7. Bc4 Ne5 8. Be2 d5 9. Nd2 Bb6
Variations
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Scotch Game: Classical Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Bc5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 5. Nb3 for White, continuing Bb6 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Qe2 d6 8. Be3 Qe7 9. O-O-O Be6. White is slightly better (+0.35). The next best moves are 5. Nxc6 (+0.27) and 5. Be3 (+0.15).
Is the Scotch Game: Classical Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.35: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Scotch Game: Classical Variation?
C45. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).