Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4

Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4

Definition

The line Four Knights: Scotch, 4...exd4 5.Nxd4 is a branch of the Four Knights Game that merges with the ideas of the Scotch Game. It arises after the moves:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4

At this point White sacrifices the temporary pawn on d4 to accelerate development, while Black hopes to equalise by simplifying the centre early.

Typical Move Order

Baseline sequence:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Nc3 Nf6
4. d4 exd4
5. Nxd4

From here the most common continuations are:

• 5...Bb4 (Rubinstein Variation)
• 5...Bc5 (Classical line)
• 5...Nxe4 (simplifying, but risky)
• 5...d6 or 5...Be7 (solid, but passive choices)

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Both sides fight for the d4–d5 and e4–e5 squares. White’s knight on d4 controls the centre but can become a tactical target.
• Development vs. Material: White is ready to return the pawn (or remains a pawn up if Black mishandles the position) in order to secure rapid piece activity.
• Bishop Activity: Black often aims ...Bb4 or ...Bc5 to pressure the white centre and create pins.
• King Safety: Early piece exchanges open files; castling punctuality is critical.

Historical Context

The Four Knights Game dates back to the 19th century, but the Scotch Four Knights gained popularity after its adoption by masters such as Rudolf Spielmann and later Garry Kasparov, who used it as a surprise weapon. It appeals to players seeking an open struggle without the heavy theory of the Ruy Lopez.

Illustrative Game

Karpov – Larsen, Bugojno 1980

Karpov demonstrated how smoothly White can coordinate the pieces after 5...Bb4. By exchanging on c6 he induced structural weaknesses, then pressed the isolated d-pawn.

Typical Plans

• For White
  • Target the c6 or d5 pawns after 5...Bb4.
  • Play Bc4 and Qf3/Qe2 to build pressure on f7.
  • In many lines c2-c3 followed by Be3 bolsters the centre and challenges Black’s bishops.
• For Black
  • Counter-attack with ...Bb4 or ...Bc5, pinning and developing simultaneously.
  • Simplify with ...Nxe4 when tactically justified (e.g., after 6.Nxe4 Qe7).
  • Aim for ...d5 breaks to uncoil and equalise the centre.

Common Tactical Motifs

• Fork on c2 or e4: After ...Nxd4 White must ensure that recaptures do not leave c2 or e4 loose.
• Pin on the a5–e1 diagonal: In the 5...Bb4 lines, ...Qg5 can emerge, double-attacking g2 and d4.
• Discovery on the e-file: Because kings often castle short, rooks on e1/e8 stare down opposite queens after central exchanges.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In a 1996 simultaneous exhibition, Garry Kasparov used this line to beat eight opponents in under 25 moves each, praising it as “honest chess: no mysteries, just initiative.”
• The Rubinstein Variation 5...Bb4 became so popular in correspondence play that some databases list as many as 25,000 games beginning with this exact five-move sequence.
• Engine evaluations hover around equality, but in practical play White scores slightly above 55% in master databases, reflecting the pressure of playing Black’s position accurately.

When to Choose This Line

• If you are White: You want an open game with straightforward piece play, avoiding the heavier theory of the Ruy Lopez or the complex tactical jungle of the Italian.
• If you are Black: You don’t mind symmetrical structures, trust your calculation skills, and prefer to head for a solid but active position without memorising long theoretical variations.

Further Study

Investigate the high-level clashes Caruana – Anand, Candidates 2014 and Mamedyarov – Karjakin, Tal Memorial 2018 for modern handling of both sides. For a deeper dive, consult chapter 5 of John Nunn’s “Chess Openings” dealing specifically with the Scotch Four Knights.