Be7 Setup

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Be7 5.0-0 Nf6 6.c3

Black develops conservatively and aims to reduce tactics by preparing to castle quickly. White still plays c3 to reclaim the pawn and build a comfortable center.

ECO Code

C44

Difficulty

Intermediate

Style

Solid/Classical

Key Theme

Quick castling

Typical Ideas

White

cxd4, Re1, Nc3

Regain the pawn and keep pieces active. White often uses the e-file and bishop pair for initiative.

Black

...0-0, ...d6, ...Be6

Castle quickly and aim to neutralize the bishop on c4, often by exchanging or playing ...Be6.

Key Moment

...dxc3 decision

Black sometimes captures on c3 to disrupt White's structure. White must recapture with development.

Common Pitfalls

For White: Don't drift after regaining the pawn. Keep building development and initiative.

For Black: If you play too passively, White can complete development and keep comfortable pressure.

Solid, Practical Play

The Be7 setup is a simple way to meet the gambit, but White still gets active development and clear plans.

Back to Scotch Gambit Explore Classical Defense