The Italian Game is a historic chess opening that has been a part of the top players’ repertoire for centuries out of the King’s Pawn Opening, Open Game.
It represents a world of strategic possibilities and stylistic interpretations, with its roots reaching back to the early days of recorded chess play.
Below, we will look into the specifics of its move order, theory, strategy, purpose, variations, history, suitability for beginners and intermediates, and how often it’s played at the grandmaster level.
Move Order of the Italian Game
The Italian Game is characterized by the following opening moves:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4
This distinct opening move order sets the stage for the Italian Game, with White focusing on rapid development and early control of the center squares.
The move Bc4 brings the bishop to an aggressive position, targeting Black’s f7 square, often considered the weakest point in Black’s early setup due to it being only defended by the king.
Theory, Strategy, and Purpose of the Italian Game
In the Italian Game, the theory and strategy revolve around effective center control, rapid development of pieces, and the creation of tactical opportunities.
The purpose of Bc4 is twofold. It allows an attack on Black’s vulnerable f7-square while preparing for the possibility of a d2-d4 push to gain more central space.
White aims to develop the knight to f3, thereby threatening to jump into the center with d2-d4 on the next move and escalate the pressure on Black’s position.
Variations of the Italian Game
The Italian Game is rich with various sub-lines and variations, creating a complex and intriguing opening system.
The two main variations Black can respond with are the Giuoco Piano (3…Bc5) and the Two Knights Defense (3…Nf6).
Both of these are equally popular and lead to unique styles of gameplay.
Some of the well-known lines within these variations are the aggressive Evans Gambit and the Scotch Gambit.
Other variations include the Hungarian Defense, Semi-Italian Opening, and Blackburne Shilling Gambit, each offering Black unique ways to handle White’s threats.
The chosen variation will often significantly influence the game’s character, leading to diverse strategic and tactical opportunities for both players.
Let’s look at these variations in a bit more detail:
3…Nf6 (Two Knights Attack)
In the Italian Game, the 3…Nf6 move initiates the aggressive Two Knights Defense.
By developing the knight to f6, Black seeks to counterattack rather than adopting a more passive stance, which is why some chess strategists, such as Bronstein, have suggested that this line should be rebranded as a counterattack.
The primary threat with 3…Nf6 is to the e4 pawn, as Black is now attacking it with both the knight and the pawn on e5.
Exploitation of f7 Weakness and Counterattack
If White tries to exploit the weak f7 square with 4.Ng5, Black has several options. One of the riskier but aggressive responses is the Traxler/Wilkes-Barre Variation with 4…Bc5, setting up potential tactical complications.
Alternatively, Black may respond with 4…d5 to counterattack the center.
After 5.exd5, Black should generally avoid 5…Nxd5, which would allow 6.Nxf7, known as the Fegatello or Fried Liver Attack.
Another critical response for White after 5…Nxd5 can be 6.d4, leading to the Lolli Variation, both of which pose a stiff challenge for Black to defend.
The common practice after 5.exd5 is 5…Na5, where Black sacrifices a pawn to gain a more active position.
Two more sharp and related options for Black are the Fritz Variation (5…Nd4) and the Ulvestad Variation (5…b5).
These aggressive and somewhat risky lines can lead to extremely sharp positions with mutual chances.
Quieter Options and Transpositions
White can opt for a quieter approach with 4.d3.
In this scenario, Black’s main responses are 4…Bc5, which transposes the game into the Giuoco Pianissimo, or 4…Be7, a solid move likely to lead to positions similar to the Bishop’s Opening.
Scotch Gambit
An additional option for White is 4.d4.
After the usual reply 4…exd4, the game can transition into the Scotch Gambit.
In this line, White sacrifices a pawn to accelerate development and control of the center, leading to dynamic and challenging positions for both players.
Overall, the 3…Nf6 reply in the Italian Game allows for a rich, complex battle of strategies, tactics, and mind games between both players.
Dubois Reti, Scotch Gambit
The following move order is considered the Scotch Gambit, Dubois Reti Variation.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.O-O
3…Bc5 (Giuoco Piano)
The move 3…Bc5 in the Italian Game denotes the commencement of the Giuoco Piano, often referred to as the “Quiet Game.”
Until the 19th century, this was considered the main line in the Italian Game, offering a less aggressive but solid and well-established strategy for Black.
Deploying the bishop to c5 not only develops a piece but also prepares for the possibility of castling on the kingside.
Continuing Moves and Main Lines
After 3…Bc5, the game commonly proceeds with 4.d3, the Giuoco Pianissimo or the “Very Quiet Game,” which is a slow, positional approach that focuses on solid development and control of the center.
Alternatively, White may choose the main line with 4.c3, intending to prepare d4 to challenge Black’s central pawn on e5.
This was the original Giuoco Piano and leads to complex positions that have been analyzed since the 17th century.
Another commonly seen move is 4.0-0, which will usually transpose into the Giuoco Pianissimo after 4…Nf6 5.d3.
This sequence of moves tends to maintain a balanced position, preserving options for a variety of middlegame plans.
If White opts for 4.Nc3 and Black responds with 4…Nf6, the game is transposed into the Four Knights Game, a symmetrical opening known for its focus on development and control of the center.
Other 3rd Moves for Black in the Italian Game
In addition to the common replies of 3…Bc5 and 3…Nf6, several other third-move options exist for Black in the Italian Game.
These responses often entail different strategic intentions and lead to distinct types of game scenarios.
3…Be7 (Hungarian Defense)
The Hungarian Defense with 3…Be7 is known as a solid, somewhat drawish defense that occasionally finds its way into tournament play.
This move allows Black to avoid the complexities and risks associated with other lines in the Italian Game.
Although it is less aggressive than other alternatives, it provides a sturdy setup that may frustrate opponents aiming for tactical melee.
3…d6 (Semi-Italian Opening)
The move 3…d6, known as the Semi-Italian Opening, is another solid positional line.
It was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but is rarely seen in modern play.
The move aims to reinforce the e5 pawn and prepare for the development of the light-square bishop, often to e6.
The Semi-Italian Opening also opens up possible continuations like the Légal Trap or Blackburne Trap (aka Légal Pseudo-Sacrifice and Légal Mate).
3…g6
The move 3…g6 allows White to respond aggressively with 4.d4.
Black can respond with 4…exd4, leading to an attack with 5.c3, intending to recapture on d4 with the queen’s pawn and establish a strong center.
This line often results in a hypermodern setup with a fianchettoed bishop for Black on g7.
3…Nd4 (Blackburne Shilling Gambit)
The Blackburne Shilling Gambit with 3…Nd4 is considered an unorthodox choice.
The move seems weak as it puts the knight on a vulnerable square early in the game.
However, it is a trap set for White, hoping for the capture of Black’s undefended e5 pawn with 4.Nxe5, after which 4…Qg5 is a surprising response with threats of quick checkmate.
3…f5 (Rousseau Gambit)
The Rousseau Gambit with 3…f5 is a risky choice for Black.
It offers a pawn in an attempt to destabilize White’s control of the center.
However, White can best respond by declining the gambit with either 4.d3 or 4.d4, opting for a more positional game rather than indulging in the complications of the pawn capture.
3…Qf6
The move 3…Qf6 is generally considered unfavorable for Black.
White can develop the knight to c3 and if Black responds with 4…Nge7, the move 5.Nb5 leaves White with a clear advantage due to threats on the c7 square.
3…h6
The move 3…h6 neglects Black’s development and is generally considered a waste of time.
Nevertheless, the move has no immediate refutation and has even been utilized by Czech Grandmaster Pavel Blatny.
It aims to prevent any possible Ng5 from White, but it is slow and generally against opening principles of fast piece development and center control.
While the moves 3…Bc5 and 3…Nf6 are by far the most common responses for Black in the Italian Game, several interesting alternatives exist that can take the game into less explored territories and catch an unprepared opponent by surprise.
Gambit Lines
Evans Gambit
White also has the option of deploying more aggressive lines, such as the Evans Gambit with 4.b4, which was popular during the 19th century.
In this gambit, White sacrifices a pawn to accelerate the development of pieces and create attacking chances.
Italian Gambit
Another gambit line for White is the Italian Gambit with 4.d4, which may transpose into the Scotch Gambit after 4…exd4.
But it should be noted that this move order provides Black with the opportunity to capture the pawn with 4…Bxd4.
Scotch Gambit
Therefore, if White desires a Scotch Gambit, the move order beginning with 3.d4 is generally preferred.
Jerome Gambit
Lastly, there is the Jerome Gambit with 4.Bxf7+, considered unsound due to its risky pawn sacrifice that usually does not result in a sufficient advantage for White.
Blackburne Shilling Gambit
The Blackburne Shilling Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nd4) is a provocative opening, where Black tempts White into winning a pawn, setting a trap for an early checkmate if White is not careful.
Rousseau Gambit
The Rousseau Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 f5) is an aggressive, less common opening in which Black immediately challenges White’s center and attempts to seize the initiative.
Koltanowski Gambit
The Koltanowski Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.0-0 Nf6 5.d4) is a variant of the Italian Game in which White gambits a pawn in the center for rapid piece development and potential tactical opportunities.
Evaluation of the Italian Game
The Italian Game is generally evaluated at around +0.05 to +0.30 for white.
Theory & Continuation Lines of the Italian Game
Below we have some common theory and continuation lines from the Italian Game starting move order 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 that you would see at the highest level of play.
3… Nf6 or 3… Bc5 is considered the best reply to the Italian game.
Both are considered about equally strong.
3… Nf6 (Two Knights Defense)
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 a5 6. Nbd2 d6 7. O-O O-O 8. h3 Be6 9. Re1 Bxc4 10. Nxc4 h6 11. a4 Re8
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 O-O 6. h3 d6 7. Na4 Bb6 8. Nxb6 axb6 9. a4 h6 10. O-O Ne7 11. Re1 Be6 12. Bxe6 fxe6 13. Ra3
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 h6 6. O-O O-O 7. h3 a6 8. Nd5 d6 9. c3 Ba7 10. Nxf6+ Qxf6 11. Bb3 a5 12. Be3 Ne7 13. Bc2 Bxe3 14. fxe3 Qg6 15. Kh2 f5 16. Qe1 Be6 17. Nh4 Qg5
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 O-O 6. h3 d6 7. Na4 Bb6 8. O-O Na5 9. Bb3 h6 10. Nxb6 axb6 11. Ba4 Nc6 12. c3 Re8 13. Bc2 d5 14. Re1 dxe4 15. dxe4 Qxd1 16. Rxd1 Na5 17. b3 Nc6 18. Bb2 Nh5
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 h6 6. O-O O-O 7. h3 Re8 8. a4 d6 9. Be3 Bxe3 10. fxe3 Be6 11. Bxe6 Rxe6 12. a5 d5 13. Nxd5 Nxd5 14. exd5 Qxd5 15. Nh4 g6 16. Qf3 Qxf3 17. Nxf3
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 a6 6. O-O d6 7. a4 O-O 8. Nd5 Nxd5 9. Bxd5 Qf6 10. h3 h6 11. c3 Ba7 12. Bb3 a5 13. Kh2 Be6 14. Be3 Bxe3 15. fxe3 Rae8
3… Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Nc3 a6 6. a4 O-O 7. O-O d6 8. Nd5 Nxd5 9. Bxd5 a5 10. h3 Qf6 11. c3 Ba7 12. Bb3 Be6 13. Kh1 h6 14. Be3 Rae8 15. Bc2 Bxe3 16. fxe3 Nb8 17. b4 axb4 18. cxb4 c6 19. Bb3 Nd7 20. d4 Bxb3 21. Qxb3
3… Bc5 (Giuoco Piano)
3… Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. O-O a5 6. h3 d6 7. c3 O-O 8. Re1 Be6 9. Nbd2 Bxc4 10. Nxc4 h6 11. a4 Re8 12. Be3 b6 13. Qc2 Qd7 14. Rad1 Bxe3 15. Nxe3 Rad8 16. Qb3 d5 17. exd5
3… Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Na4 Bb6 8. c3 h6 9. h3 Be6 10. Bxe6 fxe6 11. Nxb6 axb6 12. a4 Qe8 13. Re1 Qg6 14. b4 Nh5 15. b5 Ne7 16. d4
3… Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nc3 h6 6. O-O O-O 7. h3 a6 8. Be3 d6 9. Bxc5 dxc5 10. a4 Re8 11. Nd2 b6 12. Ba2 Rb8 13. Nc4 Be6 14. Ne3 Bxa2 15. Rxa2
3… Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nc3 O-O 6. O-O h6 7. h3 d6 8. Na4 Bb6 9. c3 Ne7 10. Nxb6 axb6 11. Bb3 Ng6 12. Bc2 Re8 13. Re1 c5
3… Bc5 4. d3 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. c3 a5 7. h3 h6 8. Re1 O-O 9. Bb3 Ba7 10. a4 Be6 11. Na3 Re8 12. Nc4 Nh5 13. Bd2 Qf6 14. Ne3 Bxe3
3… Bc5 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. d3 O-O 6. O-O d6 7. Na4 Bb6 8. c3 h6 9. h3 Be6 10. Bxe6 fxe6 11. Nxb6 axb6 12. a4 Qe8 13. b4 Ne7 14. Re1 Ng6 15. Be3 Nh5 16. d4 exd4 17. cxd4
3… Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d3 O-O 6. Nc3 d6 7. Na4 Bb6 8. c3 h6 9. h3 Re8 10. Nxb6 axb6 11. Re1 Na5 12. Bb5 Bd7 13. Bxd7 Qxd7 14. c4 Nc6 15. Nh4
3… Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 a5 6. O-O d6 7. h3 O-O 8. Re1 Be6 9. Bb5 Ba7 10. Be3 Bxe3 11. Rxe3 Ne7 12. d4 Ng6 13. Bf1 d5 14. exd5
3… Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 a5 6. O-O d6 7. h3 Ba7 8. Na3 O-O 9. Re1 Ne7 10. d4 Ng6 11. Be3 c6 12. dxe5 dxe5 13. Qxd8 Rxd8 14. Bxa7
3… Nf6 or 3… Bc5 as the best reply to the Italian Game?
3… Nf6 almost always is met by 4. d3.
3… Bc5, however, can have multiple good replies, such as 4. d3, 4. O-O, 4. c3, and 4. Nc3.
History of the Italian Game
The Italian Game holds an esteemed position in the history of chess. Its roots trace back to the Göttingen manuscript and was popularized by legendary players such as Damiano and Polerio in the 16th century.
The opening was further developed by Greco in 1620, who gave the game its main line.
Over the centuries, the Italian Game has been extensively analyzed, giving rise to numerous sub-variations and strategic interpretations.
Its rich history and the depth of its theory make it a timeless choice among chess players.
Is the Italian Game Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
Due to its straightforward opening moves and emphasis on basic opening principles like center control and rapid development, the Italian Game is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates.
It helps in the understanding of key opening strategies and provides a clear path to piece development.
The diverse nature of its variations also offers a plethora of tactical and strategic lessons, making it a valuable tool for improvement as players transition from beginners to intermediate level.
Learn the Italian Game in 20 Minutes [Chess Opening Crash Course]
How Often Is the Italian Game Played at the Grandmaster Level?
The Italian Game remains a popular choice at the grandmaster level due to its flexibility and rich strategic potential.
Many grandmasters employ it as a surprise weapon or as a choice to avoid heavily analyzed lines in other openings, such as the more popular Ruy Lopez.
The complexity of its variations and the depth of its theory make it an ideal opening for grandmasters seeking to outwit their opponents in the early game.
Though its frequency of play may vary, it continues to be a relevant part of grandmaster level play.
Italian Game for Black [20-Minute Chess Opening Crash Course]
FAQs – Italian Game
1. What is the Italian Game in chess?
The Italian Game is a family of chess openings that begin with the moves:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bc4
This opening is characterized by the development of the white bishop to c4, a strategic location from where it threatens Black’s vulnerable f7-square.
The Italian Game is part of a larger category of chess openings known as Open Games or Double King’s Pawn Games.
2. What is the historical significance of the Italian Game?
The Italian Game is one of the oldest recorded chess openings.
It appears in the Göttingen manuscript and was developed by players such as Damiano and Polerio in the 16th century, and later by Greco in 1620, who gave the game its main line.
The Italian Game has been extensively analyzed for more than 300 years.
3. Are the Italian Game and Giuoco Piano the same thing?
While the terms “Italian Game” and “Giuoco Piano” are often used interchangeably, they technically refer to slightly different situations.
The term “Giuoco Piano” specifically refers to the play after 3…Bc5, a specific variation of the Italian Game.
The Encyclopedia of Chess Openings provides separate codes for these games: C50–C54 for the Giuoco Piano, and C55–C59 for the Two Knights Defense, another variation of the Italian Game.
4. What are the main variations of the Italian Game?
Black’s two primary responses to the Italian Game are 3…Bc5, known as the Giuoco Piano, and 3…Nf6, known as the Two Knights Defense.
These two responses result in very different positions and have about equal popularity among players.
5. What is the Giuoco Piano variation?
The Giuoco Piano (“Quiet Game”) is a common response to the Italian Game that continues with 4.d3 (the positional Giuoco Pianissimo, or “Very Quiet Game”) or the main line 4.c3, leading to positions first analyzed by Greco in the 17th century and revitalized at the turn of the 20th by the Moller Attack.
Another option for White in this variation is the aggressive Evans Gambit (4.b4), a popular opening in the 19th century that is still occasionally played today.
6. What is the Two Knights Defense variation?
The Two Knights Defense is a more aggressive response to the Italian Game that starts with 3…Nf6.
If White attempts to exploit the weakness of Black’s f7-pawn with 4.Ng5, Black may try the sharp Traxler/Wilkes-Barre Variation (4…Bc5!?).
After the more common 4…d5 5.exd5, Black generally avoids 5…Nxd5 allowing 6.Nxf7, the Fegatello or Fried Liver Attack, or 6.d4, the Lolli Variation, both of which are challenging to defend under practical conditions.
7. What are some uncommon 3rd moves for Black in the Italian Game?
There are several less common 3rd moves for Black, including 3…Be7 (Hungarian Defense), 3…d6 (Semi-Italian Opening), 3…g6, 3…Nd4 (Blackburne Shilling Gambit), 3…f5 (Rousseau Gambit), 3…Qf6, and 3…h6.
These options often seek to avoid the complexities and risks of the main lines, although they are generally considered less optimal and are less frequently seen in high-level play.
8. How is the Italian Game categorized in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings?
The Encyclopedia of Chess Openings gives the Italian Game ten codes: C50–C54 for the Giuoco Piano, and C55–C59 for the Two Knights Defense.
Sidelines are covered under C50.
9. Why is the f7-square considered vulnerable in the Italian Game?
The f7-square is considered vulnerable because it is defended only by the king at the start of the game.
By developing the bishop to c4, White aims to exert pressure on this weak point in Black’s defense, potentially laying the groundwork for a successful attack later in the game.
10. How has the Italian Game evolved over the centuries?
Since its first recorded uses in the 16th century, the Italian Game has undergone significant evolution and analysis.
While the main lines established by Greco in the 1620s remain popular, many side lines and variations have been developed, reflecting changes in playing style and strategic understanding.
Even today, new ideas and strategies continue to be explored in this ancient opening.
11. What is the best counter to the Italian Game?
3… Nf6 or 3… Bc5 is considered the best response to the Italian game.
Conclusion
The Italian Game stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and complexity of chess.
With a rich history, a wide array of strategic options, and its fundamental alignment with opening principles, it remains a staple in the repertoire of players at all levels.
From beginners learning the game’s ropes to grandmasters looking for a strategic edge, the Italian Game offers a world of possibilities.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, exploring the Italian Game can enrich your chess experience.
