Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, London Defense

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, London Defense, the opening move is 1. e4. This move is meant to grab the center, as it opens up lines for the queen and bishop, and attacks the pawn on e5. It's also a very aggressive move, putting pressure on Black to respond rather than developing their pieces. In sum, it's a solid choice for players who like to take the initiative early in the game. Additionally, it allows for a later d4 move, which can lead to further pressure on Black's position.

In response to 1. e4, Black typically plays 1...e5 for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it mirrors White's move, also seizing control of the center and preparing to develop the knight. Secondly, it defends the pawn on e5, which would otherwise be attacked by White's pawn. Additionally, 1...e5 opens up lines for Black's bishop and queen, allowing them to become actively involved in the game. In sum, it's a solid choice for players who want to stay balanced in the early stages of the game.

In response to 1.e4 e5, White's move 2.Nf3 controls the square g5 and prepares the development of the kingside pieces. It also attacks Black's pawn, by threatening to capture it with the knight, which would leave Black with an isolated pawn. Another advantage is that the knight on f3 contributes to the control of the center by attacking both e5 and d4 squares. This move is a common choice in many openings as it prepares the way for rapid development and puts pressure on Black's position. In sum, it's a solid choice for opening play.

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, London Defense, Black's move 2...Nc6 is a natural development move that attacks the pawn on e5. It also prepares the way for the knight to be developed to a more active square such as d4 or e7. Additionally, putting the knight on c6 will prevent a would-be attack on e5 by White's pawn on d4. This move is a common choice in many openings, and it keeps a solid pawn structure intact while also preparing for future moves. In sum, it's a flexible and practical choice for Black.

In response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, White's move 3.d4 is a central pawn thrust that challenges Black's control of the center while also opening up a line of attack for the queen and bishop. White's aim is to gain more space in the center and pose problems for Black to find good squares for their pieces. If Black captures the pawn, White can recapture with the e-pawn and create an isolated queen pawn, which could provide targets for attack in the later stages. In sum, it's a dynamic choice that seeks to seize the initiative and gain an advantage in the opening.

In response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4, Black's move 3...exd4 is a pawn capture that also frees up space for the queen and bishop. By capturing the d-pawn, Black will gain a pawn in the center but will also allow White's bishop to have a strong diagonal on the c4 square, which can pose some problems for Black later on. However, by eliminating the d-pawn, Black can also eliminate the possibility of playing d4 for the remainder of the game. In sum, it's a choice that gains material while also opening up some vulnerabilities.

In the Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, London Defense, White's move 4.Bc4 is a bishop development move that applies pressure on the f7 square. It's a natural developing move that also threatens to capture Black's pawn on f7 with a discovered attack from the queen. Additionally, the bishop on c4 controls the e6 and d5 squares, making it difficult for Black to develop their bishop or knight to those squares. The bishop on c4 also pins the knight on f6, stopping it from advancing and putting pressure on Black's pawn on e5. In sum, it's a flexible move that creates threats while also developing the bishop.

In response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4, Black's move 4...Bb4+ is a check move that pins White's knight on f3 and prepares for the capture of the strong bishop on c4. It also develops a piece and gains some control of the center. If White interposes the bishop on e2, the Black bishop can be developed to a good square e.g., Bxe2, Qe7 or Qe8. However, if White chooses to capture on b4, the knight on f3 will still be pinned, and Black can recapture with the queen or pawn, further opening up the center. In sum, it's a dynamic move that creates some tactical threats while developing a piece.