Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Schmid Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Nxe4 · ECO C47 · White to move

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What Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Schmid Defense puts on the board

Black has a one-pawn material edge; white is to move.

No pawn occupies d4, e4, d5 or e5, so the central pawn structure is still fluid.

White can still castle either side; Black can still castle either side.

The e-file is open for heavy pieces.

Reference links and alternate move orders