Three Knights Opening

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C46), reached after 5 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3.

Black rook — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Black bishop — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

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3…g6 2 lines
- C46 Steinitz Defense
- C46 Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation
3…Bb4 1 line
- C46 Schlechter Variation
3…f5 1 line
- C46 Winawer Defense

About this opening

Three Knights Opening is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C46. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 5 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Nc3. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.