Four Knights Opening

The four knights opening is also very old and well known. Knights can be developed in any order, but the given one is the most common. This opening is more often played by beginners, who avoid complex pawn exchanges. This is a solid opening, but since it’s too symmetrical, white do not get as much advantage, as some openings may promise. But, white keeps its right of the first move which means they are somewhat better.

Games played in “4 Knights” are usually balanced because of the knights, developed in the first 4 moves, block the “c” and “f” pawns. These pawns are especially useful for breaking enemy’s central e-d pawns, leading to a sharper game.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6