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Italian Game

ECO Codes: C50-C59

Overview

The Italian Game is one of the oldest recorded chess openings, dating back to the 16th century. It begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, where White develops the bishop to its most active square. The opening leads to both tactical and positional play, making it an excellent choice for players of all levels.

Main Line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

Key Strategic Themes

  • Control of central squares
  • Development of pieces
  • King safety
  • Pawn structure considerations
  • Initiative and attacking chances

Typical Tactical Motifs

  • f7 weakness
  • d4 break
  • Pin on f7
  • Knight forks
  • Bishop sacrifices

Main Variations

Giuoco Piano

ECO: C50

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5

The main line of the Italian Game, characterized by slow, strategic maneuvering and careful piece placement.

Key Ideas:

  • Control of d4 square
  • Development of dark-squared bishop
  • Preparation for d2-d4
  • Kingside castling
  • Central pawn tension

Typical Plans:

  • d2-d4 break
  • Kingside attack
  • c2-c3 support
  • Control of central squares
  • Bishop pair advantage

Common Traps:

Legal Trap
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

White sacrifices material for a devastating attack on Black's king.

Evans Gambit

ECO: C51-C52

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4

A sharp attacking variation where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.

Key Ideas:

  • Pawn sacrifice for initiative
  • Rapid development
  • Kingside attack
  • Control of center
  • Active piece play

Typical Plans:

  • d2-d4 break
  • Kingside castling
  • f2-f4 advance
  • Queen to b3
  • Attack on f7

Common Traps:

Evans Gambit Trap
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O dxc3 8.Qb3

White gains a strong attack with threats against f7 and the isolated bishop on a5.

Giuoco Pianissimo

ECO: C53

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 5.d3

A slower, more positional approach where White builds up gradually without immediate tactical complications.

Key Ideas:

  • Solid pawn structure
  • Control of center
  • Gradual development
  • Preparation for d3-d4
  • Strategic maneuvering

Typical Plans:

  • Kingside castling
  • d3-d4 break
  • Bishop retreat to b3
  • Knight to d2
  • Queenside expansion

Common Traps:

Pianissimo Trap
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 g5 8.Nxg5

Black weakens the kingside and White can exploit with a tactical breakthrough.

Quick Facts

  • ECO Code: C50-C59
  • Popularity: Very Common
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • First Played: 16th century
  • Alternative Names: Giuoco Piano

Famous Practitioners

  • Paul Morphy
  • Wilhelm Steinitz
  • Garry Kasparov
  • Magnus Carlsen
  • Fabiano Caruana

Recommended Resources

Books

  • "The Italian Game and Evans Gambit" by Jan Pinski
  • "Italian Game and Evans Gambit" by Lev Gutman
  • "Winning with the Giuoco Piano" by Max Lange

Online Courses

  • Chess24's Italian Game Masterclass
  • Chessable's Italian Game Course
  • ICC's Complete Italian Game

Classic Games

Morphy vs Duke of Brunswick and Count Isouard, 1858

The famous "Opera Game" featuring the Italian Game.

Study Game →

Anderssen vs Dufresne, 1852

The "Evergreen Game" showcasing attacking possibilities in the Evans Gambit.

Study Game →
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