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.
Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3.
This opening is characterized by early central tension and piece exchanges, leading to an open and dynamic position. White’s 7. Bd3 develops the bishop actively, supports control over the center, and prepares for kingside castling.
From White’s perspective, this line is attacking and aims to exert strong influence over the center, particularly the e4 and d4 squares. Black, on the other hand, adopts a somewhat defensive posture initially but looks to challenge White’s center later while leveraging the bishop pair and pawn structure resulting from recapture on c6.
Overall, the Four Knights: Scotch Main Line is a center-attacking opening, with both sides contesting central control early on, leading to rich middlegame possibilities.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #21 white
You can also discover how top players used Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.