What is Actually the Best Opening in Chess?
An excellent opening that will improve your 'gameplay' and strategies.

What is Actually the Best Opening in Chess?

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What is actually the best opening in chess?

Now, many people will say something like the Queen's Gambit or the Ruy Lopez. But, I have found an excellent opening that will improve you game play and your strategies.

The Four Knights Variant

The Four Knights Game is a chess opening characterized by both players developing their knights early (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6). It can lead to positional or sharp play and is popular for both beginners and grandmasters. 

The symmetrical position it creates gives both sides equal opportunity for creative play while minimizing early blunders. For newer players, the development of knights before bishops follows classical principles, reinforcing strong foundational habits. Unlike hypermodern openings that demand deep theoretical preparation, the Four Knights allows players to reach a playable middlegame with minimal risk and solid piece coordination.

A major strength of this variation is its flexibility. It can lead into the Spanish Four Knights with 4.Bb5, the Scotch Four Knights with 4.d4, or even the Glek System with 4.g3. Each offers different types of positions—from tactical skirmishes to slow positional battles—letting players tailor their strategy while staying within familiar structures. This versatility makes the opening adaptable to various styles and opponent tendencies.

Moreover, the Four Knights has been used successfully at the highest levels. Grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura have used it as a surprise weapon, catching opponents off guard. The opening can neutralize aggressive players while quietly building toward a positional squeeze or tactical burst. It may lack the flamboyance of the Sicilian or the immediate sharpness of the King's Gambit, but the Four Knights consistently delivers playable, sound positions without the risk of falling into theoretical traps. In conclusion, the Four Knights Variation combines classical principles, strategic flexibility, and solid play. Its balanced nature and adaptability make it an ideal weapon for all levels. Whether you're a beginner seeking safety or an advanced player looking for a reliable backbone to your opening repertoire, the Four Knights Variation offers everything a chess player could want. For these reasons, it earns the title of the best opening in chess.

This opening is a good example of adhering to classical opening principles: both sides quickly develop knights and claim central control.