Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Nf6

ECO B45

The Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 Nf6.

It is catalogued under code B45 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nf6 is chosen by Black on move 5.

4 named continuations branch from this position, including the American Attack and the Cobra Variation.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, American Attack — ECO B45
• Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Cobra Variation — ECO B45
• Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Exchange Variation — ECO B45
• Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation, Sveshnikov Transfer — ECO B45

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the rare ...e6 Sicilians course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.