So I want to practice playing black against the Scotch Gambit in preparation for an OTB tourney game where I'm pretty sure my opponent will play it. I started two turn based games based on that starting position (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6), hoping to find opponents who know the gambit and can challenge me in the tough variations. But both of the guys who took up my challenges have clearly never seen this opening before.

So does anyone who actually knows how to play this gambit want to play me?

Just sent you a challenge. Please play 5. e5 - that's the popular variation at my local club. I don't know why this particular opening is so popular around here, but there are a few guys who always play it. That's why I really want to get better at facing it.

Thanks for taking up the game.

Actually, I doubt if that book is the reason the opening is so popular around here. The guys who play it aren't the types to read opening books. I think it's more a matter of people seeing others playing it and deciding to try it out.

I can take you up this chllenge too. I play the Scotch Open when I can and I am trying to surprise from time to time with the Gambit. Thanks!

The 5.e5 line looks good.  I have played it a few times and my opponents have fallen into a few traps.  Here is one short game I played here.