Chess opening · ECO C47
Four Knights Game
The Four Knights Game starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6. It ranks #93 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Bc4; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d4.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Bc4 31% | Bb5 24% | d4 23% |
| 1200–1399 | Bc4 35% | d4 26% | Bb5 19% |
| 1400–1599 | Bc4 31% | d4 27% | Bb5 23% |
| 1600–1799 | Bc4 32% | Bb5 25% | d4 21% |
| 1800–1999 | Bb5 28% | Bc4 26% | d4 25% |
| 2000 and up | d4 48% | Bb5 27% | Bc4 11% |
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