S C A C C H I S E M P L I F I C AT I

Il gioco dei quattro cavalieri

18 APRILE 2019
Benvenuti in un altro articolo sull'apertura degli scacchi! Questa volta ci occuperemo del Gioco dei Quattro Cavalieri , una nota apertura
che porta ad una partita Aperta .
Le partite aperte sono tutte le partite di scacchi esistenti che iniziano con le mosse 1.e4 e5. Allora cosa ci dice questo sul carattere di
questa apertura?

La mossa 1.e4 è chiara: cerca di occupare il centro fin dall'inizio del gioco. Oltre a questo, quando giochi la mossa 1.e4, stai facendo
avanzare un pedone proprio di fronte al Re del tuo avversario (e, ovviamente, di fronte al tuo stesso Re). Per questo motivo, questa mossa
di solito porta a posizioni tattiche e dinamiche.

Rispondere a 1.e4 con la mossa 1… e5 è un modo molto diretto per combattere l'ambizione del Bianco: il Nero combatte per il centro e
accetta un gioco dinamico complesso, ma emozionante.

Il Gioco dei Quattro Cavalieri è ampiamente giocato tra i principianti e i maestri di scacchi. Sebbene di solito non sia l'ordine di mosse più
aggressivo rispetto ad altri presenti negli Open Games, come Ruy Lopez, è comunque un'apertura che richiede studio e analisi: alla fine di
questo articolo sarai pronto per giocare ogni volta che vuoi!

Come avviene il Gioco dei Quattro Cavalieri sulla scacchiera?

Iniziamo vedendo come ottenere questa apertura sulla vostra scacchiera: l' ordine di mosse che porta ad essa è:

1. e4 e5
2. Cf3 NCc6
3. NCc3 Cf6
 Diagramma 1a: Il Gioco dei Quattro
Cavalieri

Come indica il nome, questa Apertura ha una caratteristica abbastanza singolare: i quattro cavalieri presenti sulla scacchiera sono tutti
sviluppati fin da uno stadio molto precoce.

You might be wondering why would someone want to develop in such a symmetrical way instead of going, for example, for a Ruy Lopez
Opening, creating imbalances since the very beginning of the game. However, the Four Knights Game might be a great option for you –
keep reading to find out why!

Why play the Four Knights Game?

This Opening starts by White deciding to play 3. Nc3, instead of the most aggressive Openings against 2… Nc6.

Although it might not seem the most effective way to fight for an advantage straightly from the beginning of the game and directly
attack your opponent’s position, the move 3. Nc3 is a logical development move – it brings out a piece and controls the important d5-
square, stopping White from playing 3… d5, and protecting the e4-pawn.
 Diagram 1b: position after 3. Nc3

The move 3.Nc3 also allows White to play in a more quiet, peaceful way if he wants to. In openings such as the Ruy Lopez or the Italian,
it is really easy to get lost in the huge amount of existing theory, or to make a mistake in a very sharp variation. Because of this, if you are
not a big fan of remembering numerous move orders and lines, the Four Knights Game could suit you perfectly.

Besides this, this Opening is a very flexible move order: as we are going to see later, this move order can then transpose to some
variations of the Ruy Lopez, the Italian, or even a Scotch Opening! If you want to play a specific variation of one of this Openings with
White which can emerge from the Two Knights Opening it can be a very smart idea to start with this move order, avoiding having to
study other complicated variations.

If you are now convinced why playing the move 3. Nc3 could be a good idea, it’s time to find out why would Black answer it with 3… Nf6.

Actually, Black has other options besides the move 3… Nf6: entering the universe of the Four Knights Game is not a necessity. The
possibilities from Black after the position in the diagram 1b are:
 3… d6
3… Be7
3… Bc5
3… Bb4
3… g6
3… Nf6, entering the Four Knights Game

However, there is a reason why the move 3… Nf6 is far more played than the other options.

If Black does not respond the move 3. Nc3 with 3… Nf6, then we enter the Three Knights Game. Let’s analyse Black’s possibilities in this
opening:

3… d6 or 3… Be7

This two moves will be analysed together, since the continuations and the present themes are very similar. Both these moves allow Black
to respond with 4.d4
Diagram 1c: Three Knights Opening,
position after 3… Be7 4. d4
 Diagram 1d: Three Knights Opening,
position after 3… d6 4. d4

These move orders give White a good control of the centre, and a slight but steady advantage.

When Black plays 3… Be7, he is placing his Bishop in a square that is not very active. Because of this, White has a chance of successfully
breaking the centre and gaining the initiative and a better control of the game.

When Black plays 3… d6, he is blocking his own f8-Bishop. Once again, it makes perfect sense for White to break the centre.

After the move 4. d4, the most logical move for Black is to exchange the central pawns. If he doesn’t, then White would have the
possibility to play 5. d5.
 Diagram 1e: Three Knights Game, position
after 3… Be7 4. d4 d6 5. d5

Allowing White to play the move 5. d5 would not be a good idea for Black. Besides gaining the control of the centre, White would force
the c6-Knight to move to a worse square, for example b8. This would delay Black’s development a lot, since he would then have to
relocate his knight to a good square again, losing many tempi.

After the move exd4, White would capture Back on e4 with his Knight, and these are the positions that we would be left with:
Diagram 1f: Three Knights Game, 3… Be7
4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4
 Diagram 1g: Three Knights Game, 3… d6 4.
d4 exd4 5. Nxd4

In both of these positions, White has a slight advantage, due to the control of the centre and the strong d4-Knight

1. b) 3… Bc5
 Diagram 1h: Three Knights Opening,
position after 3… Bc5

This move attacks the weak f2-square. Besides this, it is a natural development move. However, it allows White the following
continuation:

4. Nxe5 Nxe5
5. d4 Bd6
6. dxe5 Bxe5
 Diagram 1i: Three Knights Opening,
position after 6… Bxe5

White is left with the centre, and it is easier for him to develop his pieces, since Black will still have to move his d7-pawn in order to
develop his c8-Bishop.

Once again, this position is not terrible for Black, at all. However, it is not the most ambitious way to fight the move 3. Nc3, since it allows
White to maintain a steady edge.

1. c) 3… Bb4
 Diagram 1j: Three Knights Opening,
position after 3… Bb4

This move develops a piece and makes it harder for White to move his d-pawn, and he would be left with a pinned Knight.

The usual continuation for White after this is:

4. Nd5
 Diagram 1k: Three Knights Opening,
position after 3… Bb4 4. Nd5

This move threatens to eliminate Black’s Bishop pair, and places White’s Knight in a very central square. White’s development is a little
easier. White is, again, slightly better.

1. d) 3… g6
 Diagram 1l: Three Knights game, 3… g6

This is the second most played move (only outnumbered by 3… Nf6) against 3. Nc3.

The usual continuation is:

4. d4 exd4
5. Nd5
 Diagram 1m: Three Knights Opening,
position after 5. Nd5

Although this is probably the most successful line for Black in the Three Knights Opening, this is not something White should worry
about: these positions also have a comfortable natural advantage for White.

Black will benefit from his fianchetto Bishop, however, White has a better control of the centre, and a very well-placed Knight in d5.

This is why the Three Knights Game is not nearly as played as the move 3… Nf6. It is not a very ambitious way to develop with Black, and
White should be fine in every variation. Because of this, it is not very common to find this opening being played in top-rated games.

Now that we have analysed all the alternatives to 3… Nf6, it’s time to justify why would Black want to play this move.
 Diagram 1n: Four Knights Game

Besides being a very logical development move, the fact that Black chooses to maintain the symmetry of the position shows that he is
ready to directly fight White’s natural opening advantage, and try to equalize the game. This move also opens up a lot more possibilities
for both White and Black, since a lot of moves are possible from this position.

How does White replay to 3… Nf6?

Here are the first introductory moves that lead to the Four Knights Game opening:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Nc3 Nf6

After this moves, White has some alternatives:

1. 4. Bb5
 2. 4. d4
3. 4. Bc4
4. 4. g3
5. 4. Be2
6. 4. a3
7. 4. Nxe5

Let’s analyse them one by one.

4. Bb5

Diagram 1o: Four Knights Game, position

after 4. Bb5
This move is the Spanish variation. It makes it more difficult for Black to move his d-pawn, as the Knight would be pinned. It is normal if
this rings a bell: the name of this variation is due to the fact that it transposes to the Berlin defence of the Ruy Lopez, which usually
happens in the following move order:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb4 Nf6
4. Nc3

This variation is known for being rather quiet and solid, and because of this it is even called the “Berlin wall”. After this move, Black has
some options:

a1) 4… Bb4, the symmetrical variation

 Diagram 1p: Four Knights Game, spanish
variation – symmetrical

This move’s purpose is to equalize, maintaining a symmetrical position. Although a symmetrical position is not necessarily a drawish one,
this variation has a reputation of not offering many chances for any of the sides. However, Black has many more aggressive options,
which will be explored next.

This variation usually continues with:

5. 0-0 0-0
6. d3 d6
7. Bg5 Bxc3
8. bxc3 Qe7

Diagram 1q: Four Knights Game, Spanish

variation – symmetrical, position after 8…
 Qe7

The exchange of Black’s b4-Bishop for White’s c3-Knight creates some imbalances, breaking the initial symmetry. Because of this, this
variation might not be as drawish as it is sometimes considered to be. Let’s analyse the most common plans in this position.

White’s Plans:

Break in the centre with d3-d4

Exert some pressure along the Kingside, taking advantage of the pin

Black’s Plans:

Relocate the c6-Knight, taking it to the e6-square, where it will attack the g5-Bishop
Control the centre with …c7-c5 after the Knight has been removed from the way

a2) 4… Nd4, the Rubinstein variation

 Diagram 1r: Four Knights Game,
Rubinstein variation

This variation is known to be a more aggressive way for Black to play in the Four Knights Game. The move 4… Nd4 threatens to capture
White’s Bishop’s pair, and places the Knight in a very central and important square. This variation usually follows with:

a2.1) 5. Ba4 Bc5

 Diagram 1s: Four Knights Game,
Rubinstein variation, position after 5… Bc5

White refuses to lose his Bishop’s pair. However, this allows Black to keep developing.

It is important to note that the move 5. Nxe5 does not win a pawn, since it is followed by 5… Qe7, which recaptures the pawn.
 Diagram 1t: Rubinstein variation, position
after 5.Nxe5 5… Qe7

After 5. Ba4 Bc5, the opening usually continues with:

6. Nxe5 0-0
7. Nd3 Bb6
8. e5 Ne8
9. Nd5 d6
10. Ne3 dxe5
11. Nxe5 Qg5
 Diagram 1u: Rubinstein variation, position
after 11… Qg5

White is a pawn up, but his King is still on the middle of the board. Black’s pieces are all very active. The position is complicated.

White’s Plans:

Exchange pieces and protect his king, in order to enter an endgame with a material advantage

Black’s Plans:

Avoid exchanging pieces

Pressure White’s position and attack his opponent’s King

However, White has the possibility to quickly equalize the position in the Rubinstein variation after:
a2.2) 5. Nxd4 exd4

6. e5 dxc3
7. exf6 Qxf6
8. dxc3 Qe5+
9. Qe2

Diagram 1v: Rubinstein variation, 5. Nxd4

position after 9. Qe2

This position is known to lead to equal endgames after the exchange of the Queens.

Summing up, this variation can lead to very interesting games. However, White can force a very equal position after 5. Nxd4, so if you are
not happy with a draw with Black it might not be a very good idea to play the Rubinstein variation.

Now that you are aware of Black’s options in the Spanish variation, let’s move on to other options White has in the fourth move.
 4. b) 4. d4, the four Knights Scotch

Diagram 1w: Four Knights Game, position

after 4. d4

This move aims to control the centre in a very quick way, and is also usually responsible for a transposition.

This position is usually followed by:

4… exd4

5. Nxd4
 Diagram 1x: Four Knights Game,
transposition to the Four Knights Scotch

This position might seem familiar to you: this is because we are in front of a Four Knights variation of the Scotch Opening, which is
commonly reached in the following move order:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nf6 Nc3

The exact same position is reached. The most common continuation is:

5. Nxd4 Bb4
6. Nxc6 bxc6
7. Bd3 d5
8. exd5 cxd5
 9. 0-0 0-0
10. Bg5 c6
11. Qf3 Bd6

Diagram 1y: Four Knights Scotch, position

after 11… Bd6

This position has chances for both sides: Black has the control of the centre, even though his Hanging Pawns could become a weakness
in the endgame. White as a lot of activity on the Kingside, and open and semi-open files will be explored. This position is likely to result in
a very active and dynamic game, since a lot imbalances are present, which makes this a very exciting game.

White’s Plans:

Exchange pieces and pressure Black’s central hanging pawns

Pressure the Kingside, making good use of the pin
Black’s Plans:

Attack on the Queenside, taking advantage of the semi-open b-file

Make good use of his space advantage, controlling the centre

Another very common move for White in the initial Four Knights Game Position is 4. Bc4.

4. c) 4. Bc4, the italian

Diagram 1z: Four Knights Game, position

after 4. Bc4

This move is known as the Italian Four Knights Game. However, it is considered to be slightly inferior for White when compared to the
Italian main lines, since the c3-Knight stops the possible c2-c3 plan of controlling the centre. Besides this, this move order gives Black
some more options that were not present in a normal italian.
This position can be reached from the Italian, with the addition of the c5-Bishop, in the following move order:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. Nc3 Nf6

Diagram 2a: italian transposition

Even though the move 4.Nc3 is not very common in this position, since White usually prefers to continue with 4.0-0 or 4. c3, it is
completely playable. However, the Italian Four Knights Game gives Black an extra option:

4. … Nxe4
 Diagram 2b: Italian Four Knights Game,
position after 4… Nxe4

Black is able to capture on e4, since he then recaptures the piece with:

5. Nxe4 d5
6. Bd3 dxe4
7. Bxe4 Bd6
 Diagram 2c: Italian Four Knights Game,
position after 7… Bd6

Black is left with an extra central pawn, however, the d6-Bishop is not very active. This position is considered to be equal. White is not
worst, but he also does not have as much initiative as he would have in a normal Italian Opening. Because of this, the Four Knights Game
would probably not be a very good option for frequent Italian players. However, if you want to avoid theory and overanalyzed lines,
this could be a good choice for you.

White’s Plans:

d2-d4 break
 attack on the semi-open e-file

Black’s Plans:

Semi-open d-file
Control of the centre

Now that we have analysed the most common transpositions to other Openings, let’s see some more possibilities that the Four Knights
Game brings for White.

4. d) 4. g3

Diagram 2d: Four Knights Game, position

after 4. g3
This move’s purpose is simply to quietly develop the Bishop to g2. This fianchetto will lead to a Bishop in a blocked diagonal, not very
active. Because of this, this move is not as ambitious as many of the ones seen before, and usually leads to an equalized game.

Black’s main possibilities here are:

d1)4… d5

d2)4… Bc5

Let’s analyse them separately:

d1) 4… d5

Diagram 2e: Four Knights Game – 4. g3,

position after 4…d5
The most usual continuation is:

5. exd5 Nxd5
6. Bg2 Nxc3
7. bxc3 Bd6
8. 0-0 0-0

Diagram 2f: Four Knights Game – 4. g3 d5,

position after 8… 0-0

This position has some interesting imbalances that both sides could try to take advantage of. Black has more space, due to his e5-pawn
being more advanced. However, White could try to break the centre and eliminate that advantage. White benefits from a fianchettoed
Bishop in an open diagonal, though his pawn structure is weaker. Some possible plans are:

White’s Plans:
 d2-d4 break

semi-open b and e files

Black’s Plans:

Controlling the centre due to the advanced e5-pawn

Space advantage

d2) 4… Bc5
 Diagram 2g: Four Knights Game – 4. g3,
position after 4… Bc5

This move naturally develops a piece to an important diagonal, where it can control the important d4-square and put pressure in f2.

The most usual continuation to this is:

5. Bg2 d6
6. d3 a6
7. 0-0 0-0
 Diagram 2h: Four Knights Game – 4. g3,
position after 7… 0-0

This position does not have as many imbalances and activity as some of the ones we have seen before. However, it is still possible to
draw some plans:

White’s Plans:

Take his light-squared Bishop to the e3-square to support the central break d3-d4

d5-square
Black’s Plans:

…d6-d5 break

control the d4-square

4. e) 4. Be2

Diagram 2i: Four Knights Game, 4.Be2

variation
This move is considered to be quite passive and not very ambitious: the e2-Bishop is not a very active piece, and the purpose of this
move is to safely castle. 4.Be2 is not very frequently played, especially among top-rated players. However, it is still worth analysing.

Both the moves 4… d5 and 4… Bb4 allow Black to at least fully equalize. White needs to respond precisely.

e1) 4… d5

Diagram 2j: Four Knights Game – 4. Be2,

position after 4… d5

This move takes advantage of White’s passivity and tries to gain the control of the centre, which makes perfect sense.

After this move, the most usual continuation is:

5. Bb5 Nxe4
6. Qe2 Qd6
 7. Nxe4 dxe4
8. Qxe4

Diagram 2k: Four Knights Game – 4. Be2

d5, position after 8. Qxe4

Black is left with the centre and the control of the semi-open d-file, however, White’s pieces are also active, with the exception of the c1-
Bishop.

The most common themes in this position are:

White’s Plans:

Pressure along the semi-open e-file

 b4-e8 pin

d2-d4 break

Black’s Plans:

control the centre with the e5-pawn

d4-square

semi-open d-file

e2) 4… Bb4
 Diagram 2l: Four Knights Game – 4. Be2,
position after 4… Bb4

This move is another way for Black to play actively in order to take advantage of White’s lack of aggressiveness.

White usually continues with:

5. Nd5 Ba5
6. 0-0
 Diagram 2m: Four Knights Game – 4. Be2
Bb4, position after 6. 0-0

Black’s pieces are active (with the exception of the c8-Bishop, which will be developed next) and White benefits from the d5-outpost.
Capturing the e4-pawn could be dangerous due to 7. d4, followed by Bd3 and Bg5, which would allow White to quickly activate his pieces

White’s Plans:

Playing c2-c3 followed by d2-d4 in order to control the centre

d5-outpost
Black’s Plans:

Pressure White’s centre once d2-d4 has been played

This positions are usually equal or even slightly better for Black, which is why 4.Be2 is not widely played.

Moving on with White’s fourth move options, 4. a3 is also sometimes played.

4. f) 4. a3

Diagram 2n: Four Knights Game – 4. a3

This is a rather common waiting move, which oblies Black to define the position so the White can choose how to play. Besides this, this
move also stops the possible … Bb4 move, which is sometime very dangerous. In this position, if White eventually plays d2-d4 or d2-d3,
Black will now have the possibility to pin the c3-Knight with Bb4.
A common continuation is:

4… d5

5. Bb5 Nxe4
6. Nxe5 Qf6
7. Nf3

Diagram 2o: Four Knights Game – 4. a3,

position after 7. Nf3

In this position Black has more control of the centre, due to the advanced d5-pawn. The e4-Knight is also very well located. White is
pinning Black’s c6-Knight. The development is more os less the same and the pawn islands are symmetrical.

White’s Plans:

Control the open e-file

 Advance the e4-pawn and activate his Bishop, which could possibly go to the g5-square and attack the Black Queen.

Black’s Plans:

Control the open e-file

Pressure in the centre and the Kingside

4. g) 4. Nxe5?

Diagram 2p: Four Knights Game, 4. Nxe5

This is not a good move for White, however, it is important to know how to play against it, in case you have to face it on the chess board.

The best continuation for Black is:

4… Nxe5
 5. d4 Ng6
6. e5 Ng8
7. Bc4 d5
8. Bxd5 c6

Diagram 2q: Four Knights game – 4. Nxe5,

position after 8… c6

Black should now be able to normally develop his pieces. White does not have enough counterplay for the lost material.

White’s Plans:

Play actively and try to take advantage of Black’s underdeveloped position and centrally located King
Avoid exchanging pieces, as it would make his centre more vulnerable and decrease his activity.

Black’s Plans:
 Develop his pieces as soon as possible and protect his King
Exchange pieces in order to enter an endgame with a material advantage
Counterattack in the centre, using the semi-open files and possibly the …c6-c5 break.

Although this gambit is not objectively good, it is easy to get tricked in the Opening when you don’t know what you are doing, especially
in blitz or rapid games. Because of this, always make sure to study possible gambits and dubious lines, even if you know they are refuted:
finding that refutation under pressure on the chess board is not always easy.

Now that you know all your options in this Opening, it’s time to draw some conclusions.

Summary

Congratulations on reaching the end of this article! Hopefully you have now decided if this opening is a good choice for you, either when
playing with White or Black pieces, and you have chosen a variation which fits your playing style. The truth is, in this Opening, there is a
lot to choose from.

This is why it is now easy to define the opening and generalize its plans. If this will be a solid, quiet game, or an aggressive, dynamic one,
depends a lot on the variation you choose to play.

White has two main choices when playing this move order:

Try to transpose to a specific line of another opening, usually the Ruy Lopez, the Four knights Scotch or the Italian. If you are a
player of one of this, you should know that there are both advantages and drawbacks to this move order. It certainly can help you
avoid lots of theory and crazy variations, however, it can also give your opponent some more choices.
Develop a quiet game with moves such as 4. Be2, 4. a3 or 4. g3. This might be a good way of avoiding studying a lot of Opening
theory, though it usually allows Black to easily equalize the game.
If White manages to successfully transpose to a main line of other Opening, then logically the dynamics of the game will be the same of
that same opening. For example, if White manages to transpose to a main line of the Ruy Lopez, the game will most likely be very
dynamic, with lots of chances for both sides. However, if White plays a more passive move, such as 4. Be2 or 4. g3, the game could
develop in a more quiet way, and it would probably be harder to create imbalances.

The reason why it is so hard to define the spirit of the Four Knights Game is because it is usually not an opening, just a different move
order that can be used in a lot of different openings. Because of this, the Four Knights Game is not for a specific kind of players: from the
quieter to the most aggressive players in the world, everyone should be able to find a variation which fits their taste. This versatility and
infinite possibilities are what makes this move order so interesting.

Posted in Openings
Tagged openings

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