Four Knights Game: Gunsberg Variation

Before the first move

The Gunsberg Variation is a subtle, waiting approach to the Four Knights Game. By playing a3, White avoids the pin from Black's bishop on b4 and prepares a solid setup. You'll focus on controlled development while tempting Black to overextend in the center.

1. e4White · your move

Push your king's pawn to e4. This move claims the center, opens lines for your queen and light-squared bishop, and follows the most fundamental principle of opening play.

1... e5Black

Black replies with e5, entering the Open Game. While alternatives like the Scandinavian or the French Defense are common, this classic response leads to symmetrical and highly instructional tactical battles.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This is an active developing move that puts immediate pressure on Black's e5-pawn and prepares for kingside castling.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... Nc6Black

Black defends with Nc6, the most logical and common reply. This keeps the balance and prepares for a variety of systems, including the Ruy Lopez or the Italian Game if White chooses those paths.

Other paths here: d5 (Elephant Gambit) · Qe7 (Gunderam Defense) · Bc5 (King's Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit) · f6 (King's Pawn Game: Damiano Defense)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your other knight to c3. This completes the 'Three Knights' setup and prepares to enter the Four Knights Game, focusing on piece activity rather than immediate pawn breaks.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Irish Gambit) · g3 (King's Knight Opening: Konstantinopolsky) · c4 (King's Pawn Game: Dresden Opening) · b4 (King's Pawn Game: Pachman Wing Gambit)

3... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, the classic entry into the Four Knights. While moves like Bc5 or g6 are playable, this is the most principled way to challenge White's setup and maintain the central tension.

Other paths here: Bb4 (Three Knights Opening) · g6 (Three Knights Opening: Steinitz Defense) · f5 (Three Knights Opening: Winawer Defense) · Bc5 (Three Knights: 3...Bc5)

4. a3White · your move

Slide your pawn to a3. This is the hallmark of the Gunsberg Variation. You are preventing Black's bishop from coming to b4 to pin your knight, while waiting to see how Black commits in the center.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Four Knights Game: Halloween Gambit) · d4 (Four Knights Game: Scotch Variation) · g3 (Four Knights Game: Glek System) · Be2 (Four Knights: Van der Wiel Variation)

Where you stand

The position is nearly equal, but the character of the game has shifted toward maneuvering. White will likely play d4 or Bc4 next, while Black often responds with d5 to challenge the center. Both sides should focus on completing development and finding the right moment to break the symmetry.

• d2-d4 Challenge the center with a d4 push
• f1-c4 Develop the bishop to an active diagonal
• d7-d5 Strike back in the center with d5
• f8-e7 Develop the bishop and prepare to castle