ECO C47 · for White
Four Knights Game
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
8,542,748 games in this band reached the Four Knights Game position. From there White won 50% and drew 5%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bc4 Bc5 5. d3 d6 6. Bg5 h6 7. Bh4 g5 8. Bg3 Bg4
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bc4 Bc5
3. Nc3
Developing another piece and controlling the d5 square. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... Nf6
Copying white while keeping up in development.
4. Bc4
Developing quickly and immediately threatening Ng5.
- 4. d4: White plays this pawn break in favor of an open and tactical game.
- 4. Bb5: Much like the Ruy Lopez, but both sides have developed their knights first.
4... Bc5
Developing the bishop and keeping the position symmetrical, while also preparing to castle.
- 4... Nxe4: Capturing the e4 pawn and temporarily giving away a knight. Once White captures the knight on e4, d5 is a fork and Black will win the material back.
- 4... Bb4: Developing the bishop while indirectly attacking the e4 pawn. Black can also castle next move as well.
Moves 5 to 6
5. d3 d6 6. Bg5 h6
5. d3
Strengthening the center and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop.
- 5. O-O: Castling kingside and planning to continue with d3 to develop the dark-squared bishop.
5... d6
Strengthening the center and opening up the light-squared bishop to develop.
- 5... O-O: Castling kingside and preparing to continue with d6 and developing the light-squared bishop.
- 5... h6: Preparing to gain space on the kingside with g5 and preventing White’s pieces from going to the g5 square.
6. Bg5
6... h6
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bh4 g5 8. Bg3 Bg4
7. Bh4
7... g5
8. Bg3
8... Bg4
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles queenside
- The pawn on g2 generally recaptures the bishop on f3
- The pawn on h4 usually captures the pawn on g5
- The queen often develops to d2
- Common pawn moves are c3, h3, and h4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White