Four Knights Game · C49
Spanish Variation, Symmetrical Variation, Tarrasch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. Bb5 Bb4 5. O-O O-O 6. d3 d6 7. Bg5 Be6
All four knights before the bishops: classical, symmetric development where small move-order choices steer toward quiet equality or a Spanish-style squeeze.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Petrov's Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 49 in the Four Knights Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.