The line
1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 g6 4. Qf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nd4
Your moves, explained
- 1... e5 The usual start.
- 2... Nc6 Guards e5 with a piece.
- 3... g6 Shuts the queen out.
- 4... Nf6 Blocks the queen and develops.
- 5... Nd4 Nd4! The queen gets kicked, you gain time.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Scholar's Mate Defense?
1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 g6 4. Qf3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nd4. You play Black; Block the queen with g6, cover f7 with Nf6, then kick the queen with Nd4.
How do I practise the Scholar's Mate Defense?
Watch Remote Chess Academy's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 5 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where Remote Chess Academy explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
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The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to Remote Chess Academy. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.