Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation, the move e4 is played by White in order to control the center of the board and gain space. By advancing their pawn to e4, White puts pressure on Black's position and opens up lines for their pieces to enter the game. Additionally, e4 sets the stage for typical attacking ideas that can be seen in the Scotch Gambit, a sharp and aggressive opening favored by many aggressive players.

Black plays e5 in response to e4 in order to contest control of the center, gain space and open up avenues for their own pieces. By advancing their e-pawn to e5, Black aims to create a balance of power in the center of the board. Additionally, e5 sets the stage for traditional attacking ideas such as the King's Pawn Opening, one of the oldest and most popular openings in chess. This move typically leads to an open game with plenty of tactical possibilities, making it a favorite of players who like to play on both sides of the board.

The move Nf3 by White, after e4 e5, is a common move in many chess openings. Developing the knight to f3 places a piece on a strong square, controls important central squares, and even supports the pawn on e4. Nf3 also prepares for possible pawn moves such as d4, and allows White to castle king-side earlier. This move is a highly flexible and versatile opening move, often used to prepare for a wide range of variations and potential attacks.

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation, Black plays Nc6 in response to Nf3 to attack White's pawn on e4. By activating the knight, Black also gains control over the central squares and prepares to develop their pieces. The knight on c6 also prepares for possible pawn moves such as d5 or f5, and can be used as a blockader against White's pawns. Additionally, Nc6 allows Black to support the pawn on d5, defending it against possible attacks by White's pawn on e4.

The move d4 by White is a standard pawn move in many openings and is played to further control the center and gain more space. This move pressures Black's pawn on e5, forcing a reaction from Black. If Black captures the pawn on d4, White's pawn recaptures, and White gains a pawn on the fourth rank. After d4, White threatens to expand with e5, gaining even more space and exerting pressure on Black's e-pawn. This move can also lead to sharp and tactical positions where both sides have chances to create an attack or develop an initiative.

In response to White's d4 move, Black plays exd4 to capture the pawn and release the pressure on Black's e5 pawn. After this exchange, Black has also gained some control over central squares, and their queen's knight gains a clear square for development on d5. However, in exchange for gaining material, Black has doubled their pawns, and White can now develop their bishop to c4, attacking the pawn on f7 and putting pressure on Black's kingside. The move exd4 can also lead to complications where both sides have chances to attack and create counter-attacks.

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation, the move Bc4 by White aims to complete their development and attack Black's pawn on f7. Placing the bishop on c4 creates a pin along the f7-bishop diagonal, threatening to win a pawn or expose Black's king to attack. Additionally, Bc4 supports White's pawn on d4 and helps in the control of the vital central squares. Bc4 also prepares for possible kingside expansion, such as the moves g4 and h4, to create an attack. However, this move also creates a weakness on White's own kingside that can be exploited by Black, making this position highly tactical and exciting to play.

The move Bc5 by Black in response to White's Bc4 aims to challenge White's bishop and gain control over the central squares. Placing the bishop on c5 also prepares for possible pawn moves such as d6, and adds pressure to the pawn on f2. Additionally, Bc5 creates the option of castling queenside for Black, moving the king to an area of the board opposite of the typical Kingside castle position, and potentially preventing White from attacking the king directly in the opening. This move also supports Black's pawn on d4 and helps in maintaining control of the center.

The move O-O by White in response to Black's Bc5 is a typical king-side castle that adds safety to the king and allows the rook to enter the game. Castling also moves the king to a more protected corner of the board and brings one of the rooks closer to the center, where it can be further developed. In addition, castling can help White's bishop on c4 to become even more powerful, by making the pawn on f7 a more attractive target. However, castling can also come at the cost of leaving White's king exposed to potential attacks on the center or queenside by Black's pieces.

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Cochrane-Anderssen Variation, the move d6 by Black is played to support their pawn on e5 and avoid potential attacks on f7. d6 also prepares for the development of Black's light-squared bishop on d7 or e6, and helps to control the center. Additionally, d6 creates the possibility of playing moves such as Nd7, Bf5 or Nd5, aiming to challenge White's control over the central squares. However, placing a pawn on d6 can also lead to weakened squares around the pawn and leave Black's e5 pawn vulnerable to potential future attacks.

The move c3 by White, after Black's move d6, is played to support White's pawn on d4 and gain more control over the central squares. Additionally, c3 creates a firm base for White's pieces, potentially preparing the advance of the pawn on d4 to d5, and gaining even more space in the center. This move also prepares for the possible development of White's light-squared bishop to d3, looking to exploit potential weaknesses in Black's pawn structure around the d6 square. However, this pawn move involves fixing a pawn on a light square, which could weaken White's control over the dark squares, and may also limit the development of White's queenside pieces in certain variations.

The move Bg4 by Black aims to pressure White's knight on f3 and gain control over central squares. By placing the bishop on g4, Black creates the threat of exchanging the knight on f3 and loosening White's control over the center. Additionally, Bg4 pins White's knight on f3 against their queen, potentially hindering White's development. This move also prepares for possible future moves such as Qd7, followed by a kingside castle, completing the mobilization of Black's pieces. However, Bg4 also exposes the bishop to being attacked by White's pawn on h3 and may lead to complications after a pawn exchange.