Traps in the Opening

I have been playing the Scotch game (not to be confused with Scotch Gambit) a lot recently and trying to exploit the tactics of this opening.

Example of a game
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Opening: Scotch Game
White: greg_b
Black: A.N Other

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Nxd4
5. Qxd4 Nf6?
6. e5 Nh5? (This move causes loss of a tempo because the knight is misplaced on h5. This can be met with 7.Be2 and black has to defend with g6 ... 6 .. Qe7 would have been better, exploiting the pin)


Playing the opening correctly as black ...

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nxd4 Bc5
5. Nxc6 Qf6 (threatening mate)
6. Be3 / Qf3 / Qd2 are all playable) Qxc6

Game is equal ...

If you're playing the White Pieces

If white plays 6. Qf3 then
(6 ..Qxc6. It is wrong for create a mate threat of his own with 7.Bc4? Because
7 .. Bxf2+ 8.Kxh2 Qxc4) wins black a pawn and favourable endgame.

A common trap I have found for White while playing this opening is when after (6 .. Qxc6 7.Nc3 Black plays 7..d6?? or 7..d5??, this is always met with Bb5, winning the Black Queen).

These tactics are definitely cheapos - but nevertheless worth knowing :)

I am very interested to learn more about this opening, so if anyone has any more theory or traps to add then please let me know ....!

greg_b