Let's get the Four Knight defence back into play!

I also like the Four Knights Game (it's not a defense). Here's my little study on this: lichess.org/study/CUqgKXgk :)

My preferred line is the Scotch Variation, because there are some interesting traps for black, and it requires a good mix of tactical and positional skills.

I preferred the tricky 4.a3!?, not without success.

Example: Black was about FIDE 2100.

Is this considered a dubious opening? I happened to find 4...d5 in a tournament game without knowing any theory. My opponent captured on d5 and after played Bb5.

This is not dubious. I wonder why the 4 knights is not played more often at top level. It seems more natural than the tame 3 Bc4 4 d3 stuff they play nowadays.

@tpr obviously I agree

what is the iea of 4 nights=

At my local scholastic club, we teach the 4 knights because it follows all the opening principles, and is easy to understand. I can't say for sure why it's not played as much at the top level, but it doesn't seem to be as dynamic, and it doesn't score as high as the Ruy, the Italian, or the Scotch.

There is some play at top level. Here is an example

@tpr nice checkmate
@jposthuma true it sort isn't played not by beginners
@the_loving_boy en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Knights_Game