Four Knights: Scotch Main Line 7...d5
Four Knights – Scotch, Main Line, 7…d5
Definition
The expression “Four Knights: Scotch, Main Line, 7…d5” designates a specific branch of the Four Knights Game that begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 and continues with the Scotch-style central break 4. d4. After the sequence 4…exd4 5. Nxd4 Bb4 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Bd3, Black strikes back in the centre with the critical move 7…d5. In modern opening manuals this position usually carries the ECO code C47 and is often called the «Main Line» of the Scotch Four Knights.
Typical Move Order
Standard notation of the line:
Leaving the board after 7…d5, the diagram (after 7…d5) would show:
- White pieces: King g1, Queen d1, Rooks a1 f1, Knights d4 c3, Bishops c1 d3, pawns a2 b2 c2 e4 f2 g2 h2
- Black pieces: King e8, Queen d8, Rooks a8 h8, Knights f6 c6, Bishops c8 b4, pawns a7 b7 c6 d5 e5 f7 g7 h7
Strategic Themes
- Central tension. 7…d5 immediately contests the vital e4-d4 squares, seeking rapid piece activity rather than long-term pawn structure considerations.
- Isolated-pawn vs. two bishops. After 8. exd5 cxd5 the resulting IQP position gives Black a half-open b-file, while White owns the two bishops and can aim to prove the pawn weak in the endgame.
- Development race. Both sides still have kings in the centre; quick castling and piece coordination decide who seizes the initiative.
- Flexibility for Black. Black may also delay …d5 by inserting 7…0-0 first, but the immediate break is considered more principled and is the “Main Line.”
Model Continuations
- Rubinstein’s plan (classical):
8. exd5 cxd5 9. 0-0 0-0 10. Bg5
Black relies on active minor pieces and the IQP’s dynamic potential. A key historical example is Teichmann – Rubinstein, Karlsbad 1911. - Modern refinement:
8. 0-0 0-0 9. e5 Ng4 10. Bf4
White keeps the pawn tension to restrict Black’s light-squared bishop. This line featured in Adams – Kramnik, Dortmund 2000 (½-½).
Historical Notes
• The Four Knights itself gained popularity in the late 19th century as an antidote to the romantic
open games. The Scotch Four Knights (4. d4) was endorsed by Emanuel Lasker, while the counter-punch
7…d5 was championed by Akiba Rubinstein, who prized activity over structure.
• Early databases show 7…d5 being tried as early as Pillsbury – Marshall, Monte Carlo 1903, but it
was Rubinstein’s systematic treatment that elevated it to “Main Line” status.
Usage in Modern Practice
Although engines currently rate the position as roughly equal, the line remains a practical weapon at every level because:
- It avoids the heavy theory of the Spanish (Ruy López) while retaining open-game dynamism.
- Black’s plans (…Nxe4, …Re8, …d4, or queenside majority play) are easy to learn and difficult to neutralise over-the-board.
- White can steer the game into either strategic IQP battles or sharp tactical skirmishes, making the variation popular among strong club and correspondence players.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In a 2011 blitz exhibition, Magnus Carlsen used the 7…d5 line with Black against Hikaru Nakamura, reaching a pawn-down rook ending which he nevertheless held, prompting commentators to note that “even Carlsen’s bad positions end up drawn.”
- The immediate 7…d5 was once considered risky because of 8. exd5 cxd5 9. Bb5+!, but modern engines now show Black equal after 9…Bd7! 10. 0-0 Bxc3 11. Bxd7+ Qxd7.
- Some databases label the position after 7…d5 as the “Prins Variation,” a nod to Dutch GM Lodewijk Prins, although that name is more common in the Chigorin Defence.
- Because Black recaptures on c6 with a pawn, annotators jokingly call the doubled pawns “Rubinstein’s twins,” saying they argue “unity over beauty.”