Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation
White opens the center after all four knights have developed. Compare the exchanges with the plain Scotch: the extra developed knights change which central squares and pawns are defended.
Your plan as White
Develop both knights, then choose Bb5, Bc4 or d4 according to Black's arrangement.
The opponent’s plan
Complete development and contest central breaks rather than assuming a symmetrical position is harmless.
Watch out: Symmetry can end after one tactical move. Check central exchanges before copying your opponent.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
The name describes the early development of all four knights. Spanish and Scotch branches borrow their names from the bishop placement and central pawn break they share with those openings.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.