Play the Scotch Gambit: Be7 as White – Your Guide

The Scotch Gambit gives up a pawn temporarily, but here Black has already returned it by playing Be7 instead of capturing on d4. That means you get a comfortable lead in development, an open d-file for your rook, and a bishop on c4 aimed at the tender f7 square. Your opponent's bishop on e7 is useful but passive — it doesn't challenge your centre or threaten your plans. Your main idea is straightforward: castle, bring your knight to d4, and prepare to put pressure on Black's kingside or centre. Stockfish rates this position at +0.49, a small edge for White. That means you are slightly better here, and good play should let you keep that plus into the middlegame.

After 5.O-O, the computer's top choice is 5...Nf6, continuing with 6.Nxd4 O-O 7.Nc3. This is the main line and the most principled test of your opening knowledge. Black develops the knight to f6, gets their king to safety, and fights for the centre. Over 67,000 games have reached 5...Nf6, with White scoring a solid 49.1% — that's nearly even, but with the engine edge in your favour. Your plan from here is natural: keep your pieces active, consider moves like Nxc6 followed by e5, or prepare to push in the centre with f4. The position is rich and playable, and the engine believes you have the better chances if you stay alert.

Here's how White scores against the five most common Black replies from this position, based on over 157,000 real games: - d6 (74,709 games): White scores 46.4%. This is the most popular move, but it gives Black's worst winning percentage — it's solid but slightly passive. - Nf6 (67,758 games): White scores 49.1%. The engine's favourite and the most challenging response. - Bf6 (3,877 games): White scores 57.9%. A big jump for you — this move is a known inaccuracy. - h6 (3,699 games): White scores 57.4%. Also excellent for White; another inaccuracy by Black. - Na5 (1,862 games): White scores 53.2%. Black chases your bishop, but you'll still keep an edge. - a6 (1,449 games): White scores 60.5%. A rare move that gives you your best results. The pattern is clear: if Black plays anything other than Nf6 or d6, your winning chances spike significantly.

Two Black replies in this position are flagged as clear inaccuracies you should be ready to exploit. 5...Bf6 loses about 0.8 pawns of advantage compared to the best move (Nf6). Black moves the bishop again, wasting time and weakening control over d4. You should respond by grabbing the centre and completing development — the engine recommends the natural 6.Nxd4, after which Black's misplaced bishop leaves them struggling. 5...h6 is a different kind of inaccuracy, losing about 0.6 pawns. Black tries to prevent Bg5 but spends a tempo on a non-developing move. Again, 6.Nxd4 is strong, and you'll have a comfortable lead in activity. When you see either of these moves in the drill, trust your development and punish Black's slow play.