Italian Game

ECO C50–C54 White's opening Beginner

A classic opening where White develops the bishop to c4, aiming at f7, Black's weakest square. It lets you bring out your pieces quickly and castle early.

Black

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White

Explanation

Game Moves

#	White	Black
1	e4	e5
2	Nf3	Nc6
3	Bc4

Aim

Hold the center with pawns (e4, later d4), develop the knights and bishops quickly, and castle. Keep pressure on f7 with the bishop on c4.

Watch out for

Don't bring the queen out too early just to attack f7. If Black plays 3...Nf6, watch out for the e4 pawn. The bishop can be chased by ...d5 or ...Na5.