Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nxc6+0.24
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation (C45), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 recommends 5. Nxc6 for White. The position is roughly equal (+0.24).
Top engine moves
- +0.245. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Bd3 d5 7. e5 Nd7 8. O-O Nc5 9. Nd2 Nxd3
- +0.195. Nc3 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O d5 9. exd5 cxd5
- −0.185. Qd3 d5 6. Nc3 dxe4 7. Nxc6 exd3 8. Nxd8 dxc2 9. Nxf7 Kxf7
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 5. Nxc6 for White, continuing bxc6 6. Bd3 d5 7. e5 Nd7 8. O-O Nc5 9. Nd2 Nxd3. The position is roughly equal (+0.24). The next best moves are 5. Nc3 (+0.19) and 5. Qd3 (−0.18).
Is the Scotch Game: Schmidt Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.24: the position is roughly equal. 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: Schmidt 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+).