chaalwise

Reference / Chess

Italian Game

Opening, beginner, Open game (1.e4 e5)

Also called Giuoco Piano, Italian Opening.

White develops quickly and aims the bishop at f7, Black's weakest point at the start.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, White has two pieces out and is ready to castle. The bishop on c4 eyes f7, which only the king defends.

It suits players learning the principles: develop, control the centre, castle. When Black answers 3…Bc5 it is called the Giuoco Piano, the quiet game.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

New to chess? The examples here use it. Play your first moves (five minutes), then learn chess from the beginning, one short lesson at a time.

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Related

  • Opening familiesOpenings are grouped by their first moves, because the first pawn moves decide the kind of game.
  • Ruy LopezWhite attacks the knight that defends e5, building slow, lasting pressure.
  • DevelopmentBringing pieces from their starting squares into play, usually knights and bishops first.