Three Knights Opening: Winawer Defense
Three Knights Opening: Winawer Defense
Definition
The Three Knights Opening: Winawer Defense is a double-king-pawn opening that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4. The position features three knights already developed (both white knights and Black’s c6–knight). Black’s third-move bishop pin—introduced and popularized by the 19th-century Polish master Szymon Winawer—distinguishes the line from the quieter main line Three or Four Knights Games. It is catalogued in ECO as C47.
How the Line Is Used
Black employs …Bb4 to:
- Pin the c3-knight, temporarily inhibiting d4.
- Create early imbalance and avoid the frequently symmetrical Four Knights.
- Prepare dynamic central counterplay with …d5 or kingside pressure with …f5.
White chooses among several plans:
- 4. Nd5 – the most direct test, immediately threatening the c7-pawn and asking Black to decide the pin’s future.
- 4. Bb5 – transposes to a well-known branch of the Four Knights (after …Nf6 5.O-O).
- 4. g3 or 4. Bc4 – quieter development schemes aiming for long-term pressure.
Strategic Themes
- Piece Imbalance: By bringing the bishop outside the pawn chain, Black is willing to surrender the bishop pair for rapid development or control of e4.
- Central Tension: White often strives for the pawn break d4, while Black counters with …d5 or …f5.
- Flexibility: The line can transpose to the Four Knights, the Scotch Four Knights, or even certain Petroff-like structures, making concrete knowledge more important than rote memorization.
Historical Significance
Szymon Winawer introduced the idea in the late 1870s, decades before the “hyper-modern” revolution. It briefly rivaled the direct 3…Nf6 lines but waned during the 20th century when top players preferred the solidity of symmetrical structures. Nevertheless, the variation remains a thematic weapon in correspondence and surprise over-the-board encounters.
Illustrative Example
The following miniature shows both sides’ tactical chances:
Black’s early …Nf6 and …Nxb4 grab material, but White’s center break d4–e5 unleashes his bishops and queen for a swift attack.
Typical Plans and Traps
- The “Fork Trick” Motif: After 4. Nd5 Nf6 5.Nxb4 Nxb4 6.Nxe5! White can sometimes exploit the unguarded e-pawn to win a pawn.
- Premature …d5?! If Black plays 4…d5 immediately, the reply 5. Nxd5 often leaves Black’s e-pawn hanging after …Qxd5 6. exd5.
- Exchange on c3: Giving up the bishop pair with …Bxc3 may weaken White’s queenside structure but hands White long-term diagonal pressure.
Modern Usage
While seldom seen at elite level today, the Winawer Defense does crop up as a surprise weapon—e.g., Alexei Shirov vs. Pentala Harikrishna, Wijk aan Zee 2005, where Harikrishna equalized comfortably before going on to win.
Interesting Facts
- Szymon Winawer is better known for the Winawer Variation of the French Defense, but this earlier contribution bears his name as well.
- Because it avoids an early …Nf6, the line sidesteps the Petroff/Steinitz defenses—an appealing choice for Black players tired of symmetrical struggles.
- Old manuals sometimes label 3…Bb4 as the “Pseudo-Ruy Lopez” because the structure resembles a Ruy once White plays Bb5.
- The ECO code C47 covers both the Three Knights and Four Knights Winawer variations—handy for database and opening-tree research.
Summary
The Winawer Defense to the Three Knights Opening is a flexible, tactical sideline that exchanges the quiet symmetry of mainstream double-king-pawn systems for immediate piece pressure and dynamic central possibilities. Its rarity in modern practice makes it an excellent surprise weapon—provided one is ready for sharp tactical skirmishes and a variety of transpositions.