Scotch Game: Classical Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bc5 · ECO C45 · White to move

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What Scotch Game: Classical Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on e4.

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

The d-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders