The Dreaded Scholars Mate.
The idea of the scholars mate is to checkmate your unwary opponent in 4 moves. The moves for both sides are: 1.e4 e5, 2. Bc4 Nc6, 3.Qh5 Nf6?4. Qxf7#.
Your fear is over as TWCA has the answers for you. When your opponent plays 2. Bc4 reply with 2...Nf6. Yes, the antidote is 2. Nf6. This will prevent 3. Qh5? and if he or she dares to play 3.Qh5? you simply capture the Queen with your knight on h5. 3.Nxh5 wining.
Some opponents will try to delay the checkmate by playing 3.Qf3 and then pushing the g pawn to g2-g4, g5 to harras the knight and checkmate will follow on f7 if you dare to move your knight. So be very, very careful. Your answer to 4.g4 is 4...Nc6 threatening 5...Nd4 if white dares to play 5. g5. I hope this will end your misery once and for all.
