Four Knights Game, Scotch Accepted & Schmid Defense
Four Knights Game
Definition
The Four Knights Game is a symmetrical double-king-pawn opening that arises after the moves:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6.
Both sides have developed a knight to f3/f6 and c3/c6, hence the name “Four Knights.” Because all four knights are out by move 3, the opening is renowned for its classical development and balanced pawn structure.
Typical Move-Orders & Main Branches
- 4. Bb5 – the Spanish (or Ruy Lopez) Variation, often continuing 4…Bb4 (Rubinstein Variation) or 4…Nd4.
- 4. d4 – the Scotch Four Knights, creating an early central clash; black can answer 4…exd4 5.Nxd4 or 4…Bb4.
- 4. g3 – the Quiet or Glek System, steering the game into flexible kingside-fianchetto structures.
- 4. Nxe5?! – the audacious Halloween (or Müller-Schulze) Gambit in which White sacrifices a knight for rapid pawn storms.
Strategic Themes
- Symmetry vs. Imbalance: Early symmetry encourages solid play, but timely pawn breaks (d4, f4, or …d5) can unbalance the game.
- Rapid Development: Each side already has two pieces out; the race to complete development (Bc4/Bb5, 0-0, Re1) is critical.
- Central Tension: In lines with d4, the struggle revolves around whether the d-file opens and which side gains the better piece activity.
Historical Significance
The opening was popular from the late 19th century (e.g., Steinitz–Chigorin, 1889) through the classical era and has enjoyed a modern revival as a surprise weapon. Magnus Carlsen employed the Glek System twice against Fabiano Caruana in their 2018 World Championship match rapid playoff, securing the title.
Illustrative Mini-Trap
One of the shortest thematic pitfalls is:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nxe5?! Nxe5 5. d4 Nc6 6. d5?! Bb4!
Black simultaneously attacks c3 and regains the pawn, emerging with an extra piece—proof that the Halloween Gambit must be played carefully.
Interesting Facts
- The ECO code family is C46–C48.
- The earliest recorded game is Hamppe – Meitner, Vienna 1859, where White unleashed the prototype of the Halloween Gambit.
- Because of its logical piece placement, the Four Knights is recommended in many beginner repertoires yet still appears in elite practice.
Scotch Accepted
Definition
“Scotch Accepted” refers to the main line of the Scotch Game in which Black captures the d-pawn:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4.
By “accepting,” Black removes White’s central pawn on d4 rather than declining with 3…Nf6 (the Scotch Declined) or other moves.
Plans & Typical Continuations
- 4…Bc5 – Classical Variation (ECO C45). Active piece play; Black eyes the f2-square.
- 4…Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 – Mieses Variation, featuring an isolated c-pawn but open lines for both bishops.
- 4…Qh4?! – the “Steinitz Variation,” grabbing a pawn but exposing Black’s queen to tempos; nowadays considered dubious.
Strategic Hallmarks
- Open Centre: After the early pawn exchange, the e- and d-files become conduits for major pieces.
- Piece Activity over Pawn Structure: White usually gains a slight lead in development, while Black hopes the central tension dissipates.
- Isolated or Hanging Pawns: In the Mieses line Black’s c- and d-pawns can become either dynamic assets or targets.
Historical & Modern Usage
The Scotch rose to prominence when Garry Kasparov used it successfully against Anatoly Karpov in their 1990 World Championship match, reviving interest at all levels. Today it remains a staple in the repertoires of attacking players such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.
Example Extract
From Kasparov – Short, Candidates Final (Game 5), London 1993:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. e5 Qe7 7. Qe2 Nd5 8. c4 Ba6
Kasparov’s energetic pawn wedge e4-e5 & c2-c4 exploited Black’s loosened queenside structure and led to a swift victory.
Interesting Nuggets
- In 2004, the world-record for the most games played simultaneously (13,513 boards in Mexico) featured the Scotch Accepted on board 1.
- The earliest champion to use 3.d4 consistently was Alexander McDonnell versus La Bourdonnais in their legendary 1834 match.
Schmid Defense
Definition
The Schmid Defense—better known today as the Franco-Sicilian Defense—is a rare but provocative hybrid that begins:
1. e4 e6 2. d4 c5.
Named after German grandmaster Lothar Schmid, it mixes the spirit of the French (…e6) with the counter-attacking thrust …c5 of the Sicilian.
Key Ideas
- Immediate Queenside Counterplay: Unlike the French’s standard 2…d5, Black strikes at the d4-pawn from the flank.
- Flexible Pawn Structure: Black can transpose into an Advance French (…d5) or certain Open Sicilian structures (…cxd4, …d6).
- Surprise Value: Because it is seldom met, opponents often burn extra time figuring out a plan.
Main Continuations
- 3. Nf3 cxd4 4.Nxd4 – Open Variation, resembling a Sicilian with colors reversed.
- 3. d5 – Space-gaining Advance that can transpose to a Benoni-type structure after …exd5.
- 3. c3 – Maroczy-style setup, preparing d4-d5 or a strong center after Nf3, Bd3, 0-0.
Theory Snapshot
After 3.Nf3 cxd4 4.Nxd4 4…Nf6 is common. White may continue 5.Nc3, and:
5…Bb4 6. e5 Ne4 7. Qg4!?
complicates matters. Alternatively Black can transpose to a Tarrasch-French with …d5 at an opportune moment.
Historical Notes
Lothar Schmid first played the line seriously in the 1960s. Although it never broke into mainstream elite theory, it attracted creative players such as Bent Larsen, who defeated Jan Timman with it at Wijk aan Zee 1984.
Sample Mini-Game
Notice how Black delays …d5 until development is complete, keeping White guessing about the final pawn structure.
Curiosities
- ECO code is B00 (the catch-all for uncommon 1…moves after 1.e4).
- Because Black lacks a central pawn on d5, the French bishop can sometimes exit via …b6 and …Bb7—an issue that plagues many French structures.
- Lothar Schmid is more famous as the Chief Arbiter of the “Match of the Century,” Fischer vs. Spassky 1972, than for the defense bearing his name.