The Italian Game

The  Italian Game is a very old chess opening. And also the most popular chess openings for new chess players. It was discovered in the 1600s. Maximum time played by beginners and sometimes experienced players also play this opening.

It starts with the following moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4

Here’s a breakdown of the moves and the ideas behind them:

Opening Moves

1. e4 – This move controls the center and opens lines for the queen and bishop.
2. e5 – Black also uses the same idea, controlling the center and opening lines.
3. Nf3 – White attacks the black’s e5 pawn and develops his g1 knight to a good square.
4. Nc6 – Black defends the e5 pawn and develops a knight to a good square.
5. Bc4 –  White develops his white diagonal bishop to an active square to take control of a long diagonal and attack the weak f7 pawn.

Main Ideas in the Italian Game

1. Control the Center: By playing e4 and developing pieces, both sides aim to control the center of the board.
2. Piece Development: Both sides develop their knights to control center and bishops into active squares to control long diagonals.
3. King Safety: Both sides’ players aim to castle early to ensure the king’s safety.

Common Continuations

1. 3…Bc5 (The Italian Game, classical variation)
   • After 3…Bc5, the game can continue with:
     • 4. c3 (preparing d4 to strike at the center)
       1. d3 (a slower, more positional approach)
       2. b4 (Evans Gambit, an aggressive option)

1. 3…Nf6 (The Two Knights Defense)
   • After 3…Nf6, the game can continue with:
     • 4. Ng5 (attacking the f7 pawn, leading to complex lines)
       1. d3 (a more solid approach)
       2. d4 (the Italian Gambit, sacrificing a pawn for rapid development)

Basic Strategy

• For White:
  • Aim to control the center by pushing pawns (e4, d4) and moving his Knights & Bishops.
  • Develop his Knights and Bishops to active squares (knights to f3 and c3, bishops to c4 and f4/g5).
  • Consider castling Kingside for safety.
• For Black:
  • Defend the e5 pawn and develop pieces (knights to c6 and f6, bishop to c5).
  • Challenge White’s control of the center.
  • Consider counter-attacking moves like d5 or preparing to castle kingside.

Example Game (Italian Game, Classical Variation)

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. c3 Nf6
5. d4 exd4
6. cxd4 Bb4+
7. Nc3 Nxe4
8. O-O Nxc3
9. bxc3 Bxc3
10. Ba3 d6
11. Rc1 Ba5
12. d5 Ne7
13. Qa4+ Bd7
14. Qxa5 O-O

In this example, both sides develop minor pieces(Bishops & Knights) and push their center pawns to control the center, and castle their King to aim for the king’s safety. 

By understanding the ideas behind those moves and practising, you’ll improve your chess opening the Italian Game and your chess games.