Chessy
Three Knights Opening: how to play it as White
The Three Knights Opening starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3, and it leads to a very balanced game. Stockfish rates the position +0.12, which favours White only a tiny bit. That means there is no big advantage to cash in on — your job is to understand the plans, meet Black’s most common replies, and keep the position comfortable. The drill below lets you practise the critical position where Black chooses the next move.
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Create a free account →What this opening is really about
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3, White has developed naturally and kept options open. The position is a quiet one, but that does not mean it is simple: both sides can steer the game into very different kinds of middlegames. For White, the main practical goal is to keep developing smoothly, avoid drifting into passivity, and be ready to respond accurately to Black’s most common continuations.
The engine’s main reply
The engine’s best move here is Nf6, continuing Nf6 Bb5 Bd6 O-O. That is the move you should expect most often in the drill, because it keeps Black’s position flexible and active. If you know this setup well, you will be better prepared than a player who only relies on the move order without understanding the ideas behind it.
What the database says
At this exact position, the Lichess database shows 42,889,811 games. White wins 48.1%, draws 4.5%, and Black wins 47.5%. That is close to level in practical terms, which matches the engine’s view. The opening is not about memorising a forced win; it is about handling a very playable position with good habits and accurate replies.
Common replies to know
The most-played continuations from here are Nf6 (20,382,858 games, White scores 48.1%), Bc5 (10,572,026 games, White scores 46.4%), d6 (4,137,572 games, White scores 49.6%), Bb4 (3,972,079 games, White scores 48.2%), a6 (848,709 games, White scores 50.0%), and h6 (614,483 games, White scores 49.3%). In other words, Black has several very playable choices, so you should focus on understanding the structure and piece placement rather than chasing a single line.
Where Black goes wrong
The listed mistakes are useful for training your eye. Bc5 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns; d6 is also an inaccuracy and loses about 0.5 pawns; a6 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns. In all three cases, the better move was Nf6. That tells you Black can go wrong by choosing a move that looks natural but does not match the strongest development.
Results across 42,889,811 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 20,382,858 | 48.1% |
| Bc5 | 10,572,026 | 46.4% |
| d6 | 4,137,572 | 49.6% |
| Bb4 | 3,972,079 | 48.2% |
| a6 | 848,709 | 50.0% |
| h6 | 614,483 | 49.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Three Knights Opening good for White?
Yes, it is perfectly playable. The engine gives +0.12, which favours White only a tiny bit, so this is not an opening where White should expect a big edge. It is best suited to players who want a sound, flexible start rather than an immediate attack.
What is the main move for Black after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3?
The engine’s best move is Nf6. It is also the most-played continuation in the database, with 20,382,858 games. In the drill, this is the reply you should be most ready for.
Which Black moves are known to be inaccurate here?
Bc5, d6, and a6 are all listed as inaccuracies. The note says they lose about 0.5 pawns for Bc5 and d6, and about 0.7 pawns for a6. In each case, Nf6 was stronger.
What kind of position does White get in the Three Knights Opening?
You usually get a calm, balanced position with many sensible continuations. The database results are close, and the engine evaluation is nearly equal, so the opening rewards solid development and good judgement more than sharp memorisation.
How many games feature the Three Knights Opening?
Over 43 million Lichess games have reached the Three Knights Opening position. White wins 48.1%, Black wins 47.5%, with 4.5% draws — based on real rated games.