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, 8.exd5 cxd5 9.O-O O-O
The Four Knights Scotch is a classical and well-balanced opening that arises after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.Bd3 d5 8.exd5 cxd5 9.O-O O-O. This line features symmetrical pawn structures in the center and active piece play for both sides.
Characteristic: The position is defined by central tension with pawns on d4 and d5 and open lines for the bishops. Black's doubled c-pawns can be both a weakness and a source of central control. Both sides have castled kingside, leading to a relatively balanced but dynamic middlegame.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the position is slightly more geared toward an attacking stance due to greater central space and potential pressure on Black's pawn structure. Black, meanwhile, often adopts a solid but flexible setup, ready to counterattack in the center or on the queenside.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center early on. Both sides fight for central squares with pawns and pieces, making control of the center a key strategic theme.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line, 8.exd5 cxd5 9.O-O O-O, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #30 white
You can also discover how top players used Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line, 8.exd5 cxd5 9.O-O O-O to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.