Italian Game: the classic opening for beginners

The Italian Game is 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4. White takes the center with a pawn, the knight attacks e5, and then the bishop goes to c4 to aim at Black's f7. It's one of the oldest openings and one of the best for beginners. The ideas are simple and the pieces come out fast, and you'll meet it all the time when you play chess online.

Moves and position

Each of the first three moves has a purpose:

1. 1. e4 puts a pawn in the center and opens lines for the queen and bishop.
2. 2. Nf3 develops the knight and attacks Black's pawn on e5. Black defends it with 2... Nc6.
3. 3. Bc4 develops the bishop and points it at f7.

Why f7? At the start of the game, f7 is defended by the king alone, so it's Black's weakest square. Lots of quick checkmates begin by breaking through on f7.

What White wants

• Develop fast: bring out the other knight and castle. In three or four moves the king is safe and the rooks can come out.
• Prepare d4: play c3 first, then push d4, so two pawns hold the center.
• Keep an eye on f7: if Black gets careless, a knight jump to g5 or the queen coming out can gang up on f7.

What Black wants

Black's two most common replies:

• 3... Bc5: Black puts the bishop on c5 too, aiming at White's f2. The position is symmetrical. This is the main move, and all the lines below start from here.
• 3... Nf6: Black brings out the knight and counterattacks White's e4 pawn. The game gets sharp. This is called the Two Knights Defense, and it has its own article.

Whichever one Black picks, the rule is the same: develop, castle early, and don't let f7 get ganged up on.

Main lines

Giuoco Piano: 4. c3 to prepare d4

White plays c3 first, then pushes d4. Black usually answers 5... exd4, trading off the center pawn. The position opens up at once, and both sides need to calculate carefully.

Giuoco Pianissimo: 4. d3, no rush

This line doesn't hurry to open the center. Both sides get their pieces into place first and look for chances later. It's safer and suits players who like a calm game.

Evans Gambit: 4. b4 gives a pawn

White lets the black bishop take the pawn on b4 on purpose, chases it away with c3, then pushes d4. A pawn down, White gets faster development and an early attack. It's a famous gambit, and attacking players love it.

A common trap: the knight jumps to d4

On move three Black plays 3... Nd4. It looks like Black is just giving away the e5 pawn. If White greedily takes it, White walks into a trap:

If White stays greedy and grabs f7:

The right answer for White is simple: don't take the e5 pawn. Play 4. Nxd4 to trade off the black knight, or just castle. Remember this: when your opponent offers you something, first ask why.

Who it suits

• Beginners who just learned the moves: the ideas are clear (take the center, develop, aim at f7), so it makes a perfect first opening.
• Players who like to attack: try the Evans Gambit.
• Players who like a calm game: the Giuoco Pianissimo. Get the king safe first.

It's a lot like the Ruy Lopez. The difference is where the bishop goes: in the Italian it goes to c4 and aims at f7; in the Ruy Lopez it goes to b5 and puts pressure on Black's knight.

Frequently asked questions

Try it yourself

Use the button below to start a game against the computer from the Italian Game position. Pick "Beginner" first and move up once you're comfortable. To see other openings, go back to the openings guide. For something different, head back to the free chess home page.

Play this opening against the computer

Read next

• Two Knights DefenseOn move three Black brings out a knight to attack e4, and the game turns sharp fast. The famous Fried Liver Attack comes from here.
• Ruy LopezThe bishop jumps to b5 to pressure the knight guarding e5 and builds an edge slowly. A favorite of professional players.
• Scotch GameWhite pushes d4 on move three and opens up the center. The ideas are simple and the position is open, which makes it great for beginners.