Chess opening · ECO C47
Four Knights Game: Halloween Gambit
The Four Knights Game: Halloween Gambit starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nxe5. It ranks #165 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.
- 4. Nxe5White takes the pawn on e5 with the knight. It now attacks the knight on c6.
At the end of the line White is a pawn up. Black can take back on e5 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Nxe5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Nxe5 100% | – | – |
| 1400–1599 | Nxe5 100% | – | – |
| 1600–1799 | Nxe5 100% | – | – |
| 1800–1999 | Nxe5 100% | – | – |
| 2000 and up | Nxe5 100% | – | – |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →