Why is the scotch game so popular at lower levels?

any ideas?

because it sounds like a drink.

Simple and straightforward.

LoL We should rename Petrov defense into Vodka game.

It's a good opening that will teach you a lot.

Because it's good and practical, also it teaches u to develop your pieces and castle quickly, but in openings like D4 and closed Ruy Lopez and French, it's not so crucial to waste moves especially at the beginner level,. I guess that's a reason why people at my level like those openings a lot, they dont get punished and lose less games,

However they dont learn much by playing those openings.

You learn why you shouldn't be playing that opening.

thx guys the vodka game should be the next big thing

I understand this regarding regular play, but I'd like to understand how I can It can be applied to live chess. I'm a slow thinker, preferring to study the options. I make mistakes when I rush. I realize my game will get better with practice. Just wondering?

Sure, with such a name, it will become even more popular at lower and higher levels too.

The same reason: simple and straightforward.  We could also add Italian game and Bowlder attack in Sicilian.