Four Knights Game: Italian Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3
4… Nxe4−0.06
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Four Knights Game: Italian Variation (C47), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3, Stockfish 18 recommends 4… Nxe4 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.06).
Top engine moves
- −0.064… Nxe4 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Bd3 dxe4 7. Bxe4 Bd6 8. O-O O-O 9. Re1
- +0.104… Bc5 5. d3 h6 6. O-O O-O 7. Nd5 d6 8. c3 a5 9. Re1
- +0.364… Be7 5. d4 Nxe4 6. Nxe4 d5 7. Bb5 dxe4 8. Nxe5 Qd6 9. Bxc6+
Other move orders
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 Nf6
Variations
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Four Knights Game: Italian Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Nc3, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4… Nxe4 for Black, continuing 5. Nxe4 d5 6. Bd3 dxe4 7. Bxe4 Bd6 8. O-O O-O 9. Re1. The position is roughly equal (−0.06). The next best moves are 4… Bc5 (+0.10) and 4… Be7 (+0.36).
Is the Four Knights Game: Italian Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.06: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Four Knights Game: Italian Variation?
C47. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).