Scotch Game: Steinitz Variation
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Qh4
This surprising queen move, advocated by Wilhelm Steinitz, forces the win of a pawn at a major cost of time. The further struggle will pit White's lead in development against Black's material advantage.
Pros:
- Black wins a pawn
- Careful preparation and analysis can pay dividends
- A variation which White is often not ready for
Cons:
- White gets a huge lead in development
- Black will normally be playing pure defense
- The black king can get in trouble