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Train this openingAbout this opening
All four knights are out and nothing is hanging, which makes this one of the most symmetrical positions in the open games. Bc4 is the most played move here. It aims at f7 and keeps the game sharp. Bb5 is the Spanish treatment and leads to quieter play after Bb5 Bb4, where both sides mirror each other and the first player to break the symmetry usually does so with d3 and Bg5. d4 is the principled try, opening the center while everything is developed. Look at the scores before assuming symmetry favors White: Black holds comfortably here, and that is why the Four Knights has a reputation as a drawing line.
- Play Bc4 and aim at f7 before Black castles.
- Play Bb5 and copy the Spanish plan of c3 and d4.
- Break the symmetry with d4 while the center is contested.
- Pin the knight with Bg5 to create the first imbalance.
- Bishop: c4, pointing at f7
- Bishop: g5, pinning the knight that guards d5
- Pawn: d4, the break that opens lines
- Rook: e1, behind the pawn on e4
- King: castled short by move six
Very balanced. Somebody has to break the symmetry, and doing it carelessly is how these games are lost, so prepare the break rather than rushing it.