Russian-Three Knights Game, 4.Nxe5
Russian-Three Knights Game
Definition
The Russian-Three Knights Game is a branch of the Russian Defence (also called the Petrov or Petroff) that arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3. At this point only three knights have been developed (White’s on f3 and c3, Black’s on f6), hence the name “Three Knights.” The position is catalogued in ECO as C46 and is sometimes written “Russian Game, Three Knights Variation.”
Typical Move-Orders
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 → transposes to the more familiar Four Knights Game.
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 – the Nimzowitsch Variation, aiming to pin the c3-knight.
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 – Black stays in true Petrov style, reinforcing e5 and keeping the game symmetrical.
Strategic Themes
• Symmetry & Tension – Both sides have a knight attacking the e-pawn of the other.
White declines the immediate capture 3.Nxe5 in order to preserve tension and keep more pieces on the board.
• Flexibility & Transpositions – Depending on Black’s reply, the opening can slide into a Four Knights, a
Vienna-game structure, or even a Scotch-type position after d2–d4.
• Piece Activity vs. Structure – White hopes that the extra kingside knight will give a head start in development,
while Black counts on the solidity of the Petrov set-up.
Historical Notes
The line was a favourite of several Russian masters at the end of the 19th century, who preferred the solid Petrov to the more double-edged open games of the day. Because it bears close family ties to both the Petrov and the Four Knights, the variation has never achieved an independent reputation at elite level, but it endures as an excellent surprise weapon.
Illustrative Example
A modern taste of the variation came in Caruana – Grischuk, Norway Chess 2019:
Interesting Facts
- The position after 3.Nc3 can also be reached from the Vienna Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3) showing its versatile nature.
- If Black replies 3…Nc6, the game is literally one tempo away from becoming the orthodox Four Knights, highlighting how small move-order tweaks can change opening nomenclature.
- Some opening books lump the line under “Anti-Petrov systems,” reflecting White’s desire to sidestep the deeply analysed main line 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3.
4.Nxe5
Definition
The algebraic notation 4.Nxe5 denotes a knight capturing a piece (usually a pawn) on the e5-square on move four. Most often it refers to the audacious sacrifice in the Four Knights Game: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4.Nxe5. Because the capture gives up a whole knight for a single pawn, the line is popularly known as the Halloween Gambit (or Müller-Schulze Gambit).
How It Is Used
- Surprise Weapon – The move is rarely expected at serious levels and can jolt an unprepared opponent out of book.
- Initiative Grab – By eliminating the e5-pawn, White deprives Black of central space and hopes to chase the black knights with d2–d4, f2–f4, and develop a quick kingside attack.
- Practical vs. Objective Value – Engine assessments label the move dubious (roughly –0.7 to –1.0 for White), yet in fast time controls it scores surprisingly well thanks to its shock value.
Main Continuation
- 4…Nxe5 (forced)
- 5.d4 Nc6
- 6.d5 Ne5 7.f4 Ng6 8.e5 – White keeps thrusting pawns to chase the knights.
Strategic & Tactical Motifs
• Time vs. Material – White gambles a piece to seize several tempi, trying to keep
Black’s knights offside and exploit lead in development.
• Central Pawns as Batter-rams – Moves like d4–d5 and e4–e5 drive the initiative; if Black
stabilises the position the extra piece eventually prevails.
• Piece Co-ordination – Because White parted with a knight, every remaining piece must
join the attack quickly (Bc4, Qf3, 0-0-0 often appear).
Famous & Fun Games
One of the earliest showcases is K. Kieseritzky – B. Horwitz, London 1840, where the idea of giving up the knight on e5 was explored decades before it got its Halloween moniker. In modern times the gambit crops up frequently in online blitz:
Other Openings Featuring 4.Nxe5
- Petrov Defence – In the line 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.Nxe5?! again introduces a Halloween-style sacrifice, though it is less common.
- Italian Two Knights Anti-Petrov – After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nc6 4.Nxe5?! is possible but rare.
Trivia
- The name “Halloween Gambit” was popularised in the 1990s on the German chess server SchachOnline, when a group of club players unleashed it on 31 October.
- Grandmasters rarely employ the move in classical games, but GM Luc Winants and GM Étienne Bacrot have tested it in rapid events.
- In some correspondence databases the line’s practical score for White in games under 2200 rating exceeds 55%, underscoring its psychological punch.