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Scotch Game: what should White play?
Best move
b4+3.61
The black a5 is "offside" and has no safe squares to retreat to. By playing b4, you immediately challenge its life. Because the d5 controls the c6 square, the Knight is…
- Games played
- 74K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +3.61
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why b4 is the best move
b4! — The Only Good Move!
⚠️ Critical position — You found the crushing blow! While other moves keep a slight edge, this move is a tactical knockout that traps the black
a5.
Why this is the only good move:
The black a5 is "offside" and has no safe squares to retreat to. By playing b4, you immediately challenge its life. Because the d5 controls the c6 square, the Knight is suffocated; if Black doesn't react perfectly, they simply lose a full piece for a pawn.
Why Other Moves Fail
| Move | Eval | Why It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| Nc3 | +2.04 | Too slow. It allows Black to play b6 or c6, creating an escape path for the Knight. |
| Bg5 | +1.84 | A standard developing move that ignores the tactical opportunity on the queenside. Black kicks the Bishop with f6. |
| a3 | +1.74 | Passive. It prepares b4 but gives Black the tempo they need to reorganize their cramped pieces. |
The traps:
In this position, many players reflexively develop with Nc3, thinking the Knight on a5 will eventually have to move anyway. However, in high-level chess, you must punish "rim pieces" immediately. If you hesitate, Black stabilizes their structure, and your massive +3.61 advantage evaporates into a standard opening edge.
How To Find The Only Good Move
Step 1 — Recognize the critical moment:
Look at Black's last move. By placing the Knight on the edge of the board at a5, Black has created a "loose" piece. Always ask: "Can I trap or harass this piece?"
Step 2 — Eliminate the traps: Calculate if Black can break out. If you play b4, can they play c6? Yes, but you are faster.
Step 3 — Verify the solution:
The engine confirms the winning sequence: b4 Nf6 Nc3 c6 bxa5. You emerge a full piece up for two pawns with a dominating position.
📚 Pattern: The Knight on the Rim. When an opponent moves a Knight to the edge (especially a5 or h5), immediately look for pawn thrusts to take away its retreat squares.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 74K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b4Engine pick | +3.61 | 49K | 74% | |
| Nc3 | +2.04 | 21K | 57% | |
| Bg5 | +1.84 | 3.9K | 57% | |
| a3 | +1.74 | 0 | — | |
| a4 | +1.72 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Scotch Game
- Best moveNxd4Knight f3 → d4Scotch Game91M games
- Best moveNc3Knight b1 → c3Scotch Game: Lolli Variation970K games
- Best moveNxf7Knight g5 → f7Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Sarratt Variation667K games
- Best moveQh5+Queen d1 → h5Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Sarratt Variation553K games
- Best moveQe2Queen d1 → e2Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Advance Variation513K games
- Best moveBxf7+Bishop c4 → f7Scotch Game: Scotch Gambit, Dubois Réti Defense266K games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Scotch Game?
b4 (+3.61). The black a5 is "offside" and has no safe squares to retreat to. By playing b4, you immediately challenge its life. Because the d5 controls the c6 square, the Knight is…
Why is b4 the best move here?
The black a5 is "offside" and has no safe squares to retreat to. By playing b4, you immediately challenge its life. Because the d5 controls the c6 square, the Knight is suffocated; if Black doesn't react perfectly, they simply lose a full piece for a pawn.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 74K times in the opening book.