Four Knights Game: what to play after Nf6?

The Four Knights Game, classified under ECO code C47, reaches a critical junction in this position. White typically chooses between the central strike d4 or the developmental pressure of Bb5 to maintain an opening advantage. While Bc4 is the most frequent choice in the database with 26 million recorded games, the engine identifies d4 and Bb5 as the most theoretically precise continuations for White.

The Scotch Variation with d4

The move d4 is played in 24.0% of games and carries an engine evaluation of -0.01. This leads to the Scotch Four Knights, where White seeks immediate central liquidation. The main line follows d4 exd4 Nxd4 Bb4 Nxc6 bxc6, resulting in a complex struggle where White possesses a solid pawn structure while Black gains the pair of bishops and active piece play. White scores 54.5% from this position, the highest success rate among the primary options.

The Spanish Variation with Bb5

Choosing Bb5 occurs in 21.9% of recorded games and is the engine's preferred move with an evaluation of +0.02. This move applies immediate pressure to the c6 knight, often leading to the Rubinstein Variation if Black responds with Nd4. The theoretical sequence Bb5 Nd4 Nxd4 exd4 e5 dxc3 illustrates the tactical nature of this line, where White scores 52.6%.

Developmental Alternatives

The most common move in practice is Bc4, appearing in 34.6% of the 62 million games at this position. Despite its popularity, the engine evaluates it at -0.07 due to the tactical response Nxe4, leading to the sequence Bc4 Nxe4 Nxe4 d5 Bd3 dxe4, where Black equalizes by regaining the piece with a strong center. Other niche options include h3, played in 1.1% of games, and the rare a4, which focuses on prophylactic queenside space.