Chess Opening · C46
Three Knights Game
For sub-1000 ELO players
The Three Knights Game (ECO C46) is best met with 4. Nd5 after 3...Bb4, evaluated at +0.3 by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. In the Three Knights Game (Steinitz Defense) variation, Black pins the knight with Bb4 but White can jump to d5 with tempo. At sub-1000 ELO, players play Bb4 without a follow-up plan, allowing White to seize the initiative.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. e4 e52. Nf3 Nc63. Nc3 Bb41. e4 e5: Both sides contest the center with king pawn moves. 2. Nf3 Nc6: White develops the knight attacking e5, and Black defends with Nc6. 3. Nc3 Bb4: White develops the second knight, and Black pins it with the bishop, entering the Three Knights Game.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Nd5 Be73 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Black ignores the asymmetry created by 3...Bc5 and plays routine moves, missing the opportunity to punish White for not playing the Four Knights.
Nd5Black ignores the asymmetry created by 3...Bc5 and plays routine moves, missing the opportunity to punish White for not playing the Four Knights.
Nxe5Black ignores the asymmetry created by 3...Bc5 and plays routine moves, missing the opportunity to punish White for not playing the Four Knights.
Nd5Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
Sub-1000 players enter the Three Knights because they know Nc3 is a developing move, but they don't have a plan for the middlegame that follows. Playing Bb4 looks active but has no real bite.
Before Your Next Game
After 3. Nc3, play 3...Nf6 to transpose to the Four Knights Game where plans are clearer. Avoid Bb4 unless you know the theory.
What to Study
Learn the difference between the Three Knights and Four Knights games so you can choose the right setup.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
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