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C55-C58

Two Knights Defense

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 Nxe4

About This Opening

The Two Knights Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6) is Black's sharpest reply to the Italian bishop, inviting the critical 4.Ng5 where Black sacrifices a pawn for a fierce initiative rather than defend passively.

Variations

8 found
C57
Ponziani-Steintz Gambit, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 Nxe4
C56
Perreux Variation, Two Knights Defense
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 d4 exd4 Ng5
C56
Double Gambit Accepted, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 d4 exd4 O-O Nxe4
C57
Kloss Gambit, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 d5 exd5 Nb4
C57
Trencianske-Teplice Gambit, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 Bc5 Bxf7+ Ke7 d4
C57
Kurkin Gambit, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 d5 exd5 b5 Bf1 h6 Nxf7
C58
Bogoljubow Variation, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 d5 exd5 Na5 Bb5+ c6 dxc6 bxc6 Qf3
C58
Yankovich Variation, Two Knights
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nf6 Ng5 d5 exd5 Na5 d3 h6 Nf3 e4 Qe2 Nxc4 dxc4 Bc5 Nfd2

Starting Position

Explore the Mainline

Lichess Stats

45%
51%
White wins 45% Draws 3% Black wins 51%

156.6K rapid and classical games on Lichess (1600+)

Top Continuations

Bxf7+
62.7K
Nxf7
51.9K
Nxe4
39.5K
Qf3
1.5K
d3
661

Quick Actions

Draw Random Opening Browse ECO C55

Related Openings

  • Sicilian Defense
  • Ruy Lopez
  • French Defense
  • Italian Game
  • Caro-Kann Defense
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