This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
English Opening: Four Knights Variation, 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5
This line arises after the moves 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5. White adopts a fianchetto setup with 4.g3, aiming for solid control over the long diagonal and flexible piece development. Black challenges the center immediately with 4...d5, striking at White’s c4-pawn and inviting exchanges in the center.
Characteristic: The move 5...Nxd5 recaptures the pawn quickly, keeping active piece play and maintaining central tension. Black’s knights are well-placed, and the position often leads to open lines and dynamic piece activity.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this position is typically flexible and positional, focusing on control of the long diagonal and steady development rather than immediate attacks. Black’s move 4...d5 and the recapture 5...Nxd5 are more assertive and attacking, aiming to contest the center and challenge White’s setup early.
Center Control: Yes, this opening line features a direct contest of the center. Black’s early ...d5 challenges White’s central presence, and the subsequent exchanges open the center, allowing both sides to fight actively for central control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: Four Knights, 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #11 black
You can also discover how top players used English: Four Knights, 4.g3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.