What is the Max Lange Attack?

It is the Scotch Gambit line beginning 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5 6.e5, where White attacks the f6-knight with the e-pawn.

What move defines the Max Lange Attack?

White’s defining move is 6.e5 after Black has developed the bishop to c5. This distinguishes it from Scotch Gambit lines where White does not immediately drive the knight from f6.

How should Black respond to the Max Lange Attack?

Black’s critical central response is usually ...d5, challenging White’s advanced e-pawn and the c4-bishop. The exact continuation depends on whether White exchanges on f6 or meets the center directly.

Is the Max Lange Attack suitable for intermediate players?

Yes, if you enjoy forcing positions and tactical calculation. The key practical skill is recognizing the 6.e5 move order and calculating ...d5 before launching an attack against Black’s king.

Max Lange Attack (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O) Chess Puzzles

Most common moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O Nxe4 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5 6.e5 / 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O Nxe4 6.Re1.

The Max Lange Attack is the Scotch Gambit continuation 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5 6.e5. Its defining feature is White advancing the e-pawn to drive away the f6-knight before Black typically challenges the center with ...d5, creating immediate attacking and tactical tension.

You can spot the Max Lange Attack when the Scotch Gambit has reached castled White, ...Bc5, and White’s e-pawn advances to e5 against the knight on f6. Use the line to gain tempi and open attacking chances, but calculate Black’s central reply ...d5 carefully because the position can change rapidly after exchanges on f6 or d5.

Win rate for White in rapid games, among players who reached this opening, by rating band.
Chess.com Elo	Max Lange Attack	All White games	Italian GameEvans Gambit Accepted	Italian GameBirds Attack	Fried Liver Attack
750–1000	56.8%	50.3%	50.9%	51.5%	53.1%
1000–1250	58.1%	50.0%	50.9%	51.1%	52.6%
1250–1500	56.6%	49.8%	51.1%	50.7%	51.4%
1500–1750	53.6%	49.4%	50.9%	50.1%	49.3%
1750–2000	49.5%	48.7%	50.1%	49.1%	47.2%

See methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions: max lange attack

What is the Max Lange Attack?: It is the Scotch Gambit line beginning 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5 6.e5, where White attacks the f6-knight with the e-pawn.
What move defines the Max Lange Attack?: White’s defining move is 6.e5 after Black has developed the bishop to c5. This distinguishes it from Scotch Gambit lines where White does not immediately drive the knight from f6.
How should Black respond to the Max Lange Attack?: Black’s critical central response is usually ...d5, challenging White’s advanced e-pawn and the c4-bishop. The exact continuation depends on whether White exchanges on f6 or meets the center directly.
Is the Max Lange Attack suitable for intermediate players?: Yes, if you enjoy forcing positions and tactical calculation. The key practical skill is recognizing the 6.e5 move order and calculating ...d5 before launching an attack against Black’s king.