Chessy
How to Play the Italian: Four Knights: Be7 as White
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Be7, you arrive at the Italian: Four Knights: Be7. As White, you have already played a natural developing move in 5.d4, striking in the centre while both sides have brought out their knights. The engine evaluates this position at +0.43 — a small edge in your favour. Below you'll find the engine's top continuation, the most common responses from Black, and a breakdown of which moves are mistakes. The drill awaits: test yourself against the position and see if you can convert White's advantage.
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The computer's top choice after 5.d4 is Nxe4 (for Black), continuing with Nxe4 Nxe4 d5 Bb5. This sequence removes the central tension immediately and leads to a position where White's space advantage and bishop pair offer a steady plus. The evaluation stays around +0.43, meaning you remain slightly better throughout this line. Study this continuation carefully — it's the benchmark for what Black should do, and understanding it helps you anticipate your opponent's best play.
The Statistics: What Black Actually Plays
Across nearly 300,000 games in the Lichess database, Black's choices vary widely. Here are the most popular replies and White's results against them in the Italian: Four Knights: Be7 position after 5.d4: - exd4 (206,243 games) – White scores 47.9% - d6 (57,887 games) – White scores 45.9% - O-O (18,562 games) – White scores 54.4% - Nxd4 (7,192 games) – White scores 51.7% - Nxe4 (2,225 games) – White scores 42.4% - Na5 (1,798 games) – White scores 54.4% The most popular move, exd4, sees Black capture the pawn and leads to a balanced fight. But notice that the engine's best move, Nxe4, is actually one of the rarest choices at club level — and White scores only 42.4% when it appears, suggesting many White players are unprepared for it.
Three Common Black Mistakes to Punish
The engine identifies three moves as clear mistakes in this position. Knowing them helps you capitalise when your opponent goes wrong: - O-O (loses ~1.4 pawns) – Castling immediately might look safe, but Black falls behind in the centre fight. - Nxd4 (loses ~1.6 pawns) – Capturing on d4 with the knight looks tempting, but it loses material after proper play. - Na5 (loses ~1.8 pawns) – Attacking your bishop on c4 is a natural idea, yet it's the worst of the three mistakes. In every case, the engine says Black should have played Nxe4 instead. When you see one of these suboptimal moves, trust your advantage and look to increase the pressure.
What You're Fighting For
The Italian: Four Knights: Be7 with 5.d4 is a classical open game where White fights for central space and quick development. Your light-squared bishop on c4 eyes f7, your knights are active, and you have the option to recapture on d4 with a piece. The general ideas to keep in mind: - Maintain the centre. If Black takes on d4, you can recapture and enjoy a slight space edge. - Watch for tactical shots involving the f7 square or the e4-knight's vulnerability. - Be aware that Black's most challenging reply (Nxe4) simplifies the centre — but you still emerge with the better structure and bishop pair. This opening rewards understanding over memorisation. The numbers show White scores solidly across most Black responses, and the engine gives you a small but real plus to work with.
Results across 298,687 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| exd4 | 206,243 | 47.9% |
| d6 | 57,887 | 45.9% |
| O-O | 18,562 | 54.4% |
| Nxd4 | 7,192 | 51.7% |
| Nxe4 | 2,225 | 42.4% |
| Na5 | 1,798 | 54.4% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Italian Four Knights Be7 good for White?
Yes, the engine evaluates the position after 5.d4 at +0.43, which is a small edge for White. Across nearly 300,000 games, White wins 48.2% of the time, draws 4.3%, and Black wins 47.5%. So while it's not crushing, you are slightly better from the start.
What is Black's best move after 5.d4 in the Four Knights Be7?
The engine's top choice is Nxe4, capturing the e4 pawn. The continuation runs Nxe4 Nxe4 d5 Bb5. It's played rarely in practice (only 2,225 games), but it's the line you should be most prepared for as it poses the toughest challenge.
Is castling early a mistake for Black in this position?
Yes, O-O is listed as a mistake that loses roughly 1.4 pawns compared to the best move Nxe4. Despite being the third most popular move (18,562 games), it gives White a clear advantage. Don't fear Black castling — it's actually good news for you.
How should I respond if Black plays Na5?
Na5 is the worst of the three common mistakes, losing about 1.8 pawns. The knight attacks your bishop on c4, but Black is neglecting the centre. Trust your advantage and look to exploit it — the engine favours you clearly after this move.