Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4

= Scotch Game =

3.d4
This aggressive move practically forces Black to play /3...exd4/ which releases central tension very early. This should lead to a very open game with a lot of space for both players.

A few tries have been made with /3...d6/ but this move is considered inferior because of 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Bc4.

/3...Nxd4/ is playable: 4.Nxd4 exd4 5.Qxd4 and some good players believe that black nearly equalizes in this line.

Also seen after /3...Nxd4/ is 4. Nxe5, after which black will have to move the knight.

Theory table
'''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4'''