ChessschoolThe Italian Game for beginners
The Italian Game develops pieces towards the centre and prepares king safety.
The starting moves
The opening begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4. White attacks the centre and places the bishop on an active diagonal. Black can reply with 3...Bc5 or 3...Nf6, among other moves.
A simple plan
Develop the remaining pieces, castle when legal, and consider supporting a central pawn advance. A quiet d3 can support e4. A d4 break may open the centre, but must be calculated.
Avoid automatic attacks
The bishop’s view of f7 does not mean that an immediate sacrifice works. Check defenders and the opponent’s forcing replies. Do not memorise a long line without understanding the threats.
Try it yourself
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4, which piece has White developed twice?
Check the answer
None. White has developed the knight and bishop once each, while the e-pawn opened lines.
Put it into practice
Open the related lesson Practise with puzzles
Sources and corrections
For the official rules, see the FIDE Laws of Chess. Found an error? Send the position and page address.