C50 Open games

Four Knights Game: Italian Variation

Four Knights Game: Italian Variation is an ECO C50 opening in the open games family. Study the line, review related variations, and practice the move order.

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Learn this opening

C50 study line

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Step through the line, then test it from memory.

The Four Knights Game: Italian Variation reaches a named position after 4 moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. Nc3 Nf6

In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then run the drill without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.

If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related variations below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.