C46

Three Knights Opening: Steinitz Defense

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6

The Three Knights Opening: Steinitz Defense is a chess opening classified under ECO code C46. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 g6.

It belongs to the Three Knights Opening family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

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Related openings

Three Knights GameThree Knights OpeningThree Knights Opening: Schlechter VariationThree Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal VariationThree Knights Opening: Winawer DefenseThree Knights Opening