Openings · 2 min read
The Italian Game: a first opening for White
The Italian Game starts 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4. The bishop aims at f7, the one square in Black's camp that only the king defends.
Its plans follow the opening principles, so there is little to memorise.
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1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6
The Giuoco Pianissimo. White's c3 and d3 keep the centre flexible and prepare a later d4.
White's plans against 3...Bc5
- Slow build-up (4.c3 Nf6 5.d3): castle, Re1, Nbd2-f1-g3, then d4.
- Early centre (4.c3 and 5.d4): open the game while ahead in development.
- Evans Gambit (4.b4): give a pawn to gain time on the bishop and build a centre.
Black's two main replies
After 3...Bc5, Black meets slow play with ...d6, ...a6, ...Ba7 and castling.
3...Nf6 is the Two Knights Defence. After 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 the main move is 5...Na5, because 5...Nxd5 allows 6.Nxf7, the Fried Liver Attack.
Key takeaways
- Bc4 aims at f7, and many Italian tactics happen there.
- c3 and d4 is White's main pawn break. Prepare it first.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Italian Game good for beginners?
- Yes. The Italian Game develops pieces naturally, teaches central play and tactics on f7, and needs little memorisation.
- Should I play the Italian Game or the Ruy Lopez?
- Start with the Italian Game (3.Bc4). The Ruy Lopez (3.Bb5) has more theory and slower manoeuvring; the Italian teaches the same principles with clearer plans.
Practise the related tactics
The ideas behind this
- Classical OpeningsPawns in the middle, pieces out, castle. The approach to learn first.
- Controlling the CenterPut pawns and pieces where they reach e4, d4, e5 and d5.
- Sidestepping TrapsAsk what the opponent's last move attacks. That habit stops most traps.