Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4
4… exd4+0.09
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation (C47), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4, Stockfish 18 recommends 4… exd4 for Black. The position is roughly equal (+0.09).
Top engine moves
- +0.094… exd4 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O d5 9. exd5
- +0.374… Bb4 5. Nxe5 Qe7 6. Qd3 Bxc3+ 7. Qxc3 Nxe4 8. Qe3 Nd6 9. Bd3
- +0.614… d6 5. d5 Ne7 6. Bg5 a6 7. Nd2 h5 8. Be2 Ng6 9. h4
Variations
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4… exd4 for Black, continuing 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O d5 9. exd5. The position is roughly equal (+0.09). The next best moves are 4… Bb4 (+0.37) and 4… d6 (+0.61).
Is the Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.09: 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: Scotch 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+).