What are the moves of the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4. After these moves it is black to move.

What variations come from the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?

Named continuations include Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation Accepted, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Krause Gambit, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Krause Gambit, Leonhardt Defense, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Oxford Gambit. There are 8 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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Chess Openings

Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 · ECO C47

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Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4. It is classified C47 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Four Knights Game develops all four knights before either side commits a bishop. It is symmetrical, sound, and among the most straightforward openings to learn, which makes it a common recommendation for players first moving beyond basic principles.

Strategic character

Usually quiet and balanced, though the Scotch Four Knights and the Belgrade Gambit inject real sharpness. The symmetry means Black equalises comfortably in the main lines.

Who should play it

Improving players who want a principled, low-theory opening, and anyone looking for a solid game rather than an early fight.

This line is a variation within the Four Knights Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4.

Variations continuing from this position

Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?: The Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4. It is classified C47 in the ECO system. The Four Knights Game develops all four knights before either side commits a bishop. It is symmetrical, sound, and among the most straightforward openings to learn, which makes it a common recommendation for players first moving beyond basic principles.
What are the moves of the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation good for beginners?: Improving players who want a principled, low-theory opening, and anyone looking for a solid game rather than an early fight.
What variations come from the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?: Named continuations include Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation Accepted, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Belgrade Gambit, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Krause Gambit, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Krause Gambit, Leonhardt Defense, Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation, Oxford Gambit. There are 8 named variations reachable from this position in total.