Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C56), reached after 10 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5.

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6.e5 2 lines
- C56 Long Variation
- C56 Spielmann Defense

About this opening

Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, Max Lange Attack is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C56. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 10 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5.

It belongs to the Italian Game family. Within that family this is a level-2 branch (the Scotch Gambit → Max Lange Attack line). The immediate parent line is Italian Game: Scotch Gambit, transitioned via 5…Bc5.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.d4 exd4, 4.Bc4 Nf6, 5.O-O Bc5. From this position exactly one named continuation is recorded in the encyclopaedia.