1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3. White develops a third knight and waits. Black can enter the Four Knights with 3...Nf6 or choose an independent line.
Watch it in 3D
3D lesson · 11 steps · 50 seconds
The Three Knights Opening in 3D
Three Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation, move by move: e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Nc3 g6 d4 exd4 …
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Key ideas
Most games transpose: 3...Nf6 is the Four Knights Game, and White can then choose between the Spanish (4.Bb5) and Scotch (4.d4) treatments.
3...Bb4 is the main independent try, pinning the c3 knight. White often answers with 4.Nd5, hitting the bishop, as in the Schlechter Variation 4...Nf6.
3...g6, the Steinitz Defense, fianchettoes the bishop. A sharp answer is 4.d4 exd4 5.Nd5, the Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation, putting a knight on a strong central square.
3...f5, the Winawer Defense, is a Latvian-style counter that strikes at e4 but loosens Black's kingside.
Plans for White
Stay flexible. If Black plays ...Nf6, choose your favourite Four Knights line with Bb5 or d4. Against early bishop moves, look for Nd5 and central tactics on e5.
Plans for Black
3...Nf6 is the most reliable answer. If you choose 3...Bb4, be ready for 4.Nd5 and keep the e5 pawn protected.
Watch out
3...Bc5 allows the fork trick 4.Nxe5 Nxe5 5.d4. The pawn forks bishop and knight, so White regains the piece and keeps the freer game.
Puzzles from the Three Knights Opening
Tactics that came up in real games played with this opening, from easiest to hardest.
