Openings Guide / 1.e4 e5 — Open Games
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
The Italian Game is one of chess's oldest openings, recorded as early as the 16th century. White places the bishop on c4, targeting the f7 square — structurally the weakest point in Black's position. Modern theory has revived the Italian at the highest level; Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana use it regularly.
White's typical plan is 4.c3 followed by 5.d4, building a powerful central pawn pair. Key sub-variations include the Giuoco Piano (3...Bc5 4.c3), the Two Knights Defense (3...Nf6), and the Evans Gambit (4.b4). The Italian is excellent for players who want active development and direct play.
| Variation | Moves |
|---|---|
| Giuoco Piano | 3...Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 |
| Two Knights Defense | 3...Nf6 4.Ng5 |
| Evans Gambit | 3...Bc5 4.b4 |
| Hungarian Defense | 3...Be7 |