Tree path 5 levels King's Pawn Game › King's Knight Opening › Normal Variation › Three Knights Opening › Three Knights Opening
- Chess Codex
- King's Pawn Game C20
- King's Knight Opening C40
- Normal Variation C44
- Three Knights Opening C46
- Three Knights Opening C46 you are here
Three Knights Opening
Overview
Three Knights Opening is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C46), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Open Games group covers open games — classical 1.e4 e5 openings where both sides contest the centre directly with pawns.
The line arises from 6 plies — specifically the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Bb4.
The line refines Three Knights Opening, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.
It continues primarily into one named line, Schlechter Variation.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- C46
- Group
- Open Games (C)
- Plies
- 6
- Parent
- Three Knights Opening
- Direct variations
- 1
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
1,465,753 games · White 49.7% / Draw 4.9% / Black 45.5%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Bc4 | 369,399 | |
| Bb5 | 239,934 | |
| a3 | 218,491 | |
| Nd5 | 214,257 | |
| d3 | 180,347 | |
| d4 | 169,809 | |
| Be2 | 29,890 | |
| h3 | 8,931 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:26:47
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.