Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. d4/3...exd4/4. Nxd4/4...Bc5/5. Nxc6

= Scotch Game, Classical Variation = White continues with 5. Nxc6. Black has a few options here: 5...dxc6, 5...bxc6, and 5...Qf6.

The first option, 5...dxc6?! loses castling rights to 6. Qxd8+ Kxd8, though.

The second option, 5...bxc6, is more common and continues in natural Classical development with the Bishop going to d3 and c4, the Knight usually to c3 and kingside castling.

The final option, 5...Qf6, is most common. Black attacks f2, threatening checkmate, and the knight on c6. White has no way to defend both at once, and must give back the knight. 6. Qd2 and 6. Qf3 are the most popular defenses to the Intermezzo.