Italian Game: plans, not just moves
In short
In the Italian Game White develops quickly and aims the bishop at f7. In the quiet line (Giuoco Pianissimo) White plays c3 and d3, castles, and later prepares d4 or a kingside build-up with Re1, Nbd2–f1–g3.
By the end you can
- Play the first 6–8 moves of the Italian
- Know the c3–d4 plan and the f7 target
The lesson
In the Italian Game White develops quickly and aims the bishop at f7. In the quiet line (Giuoco Pianissimo) White plays c3 and d3, castles, and later prepares d4 or a kingside build-up with Re1, Nbd2–f1–g3.
For Black, the same set-up works: ...Bc5, ...Nf6, ...d6, ...O-O, and a timely ...a6 so that the bishop can retreat to a7 when White plays b4. Both sides should watch tactics on f7/f2 and pins with Bg5/...Bg4.
Learn the ideas behind each move. If the opponent plays something unexpected, you can still follow the plan instead of being lost after move 5.
Key points to remember
- Bishop on c4 eyes f7
- c3 prepares d4
- Castle, then Re1 and knight manoeuvres
- Know the pins on g5/g4
Examples
Show the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. O-O O-O 7. Re1 a6 8. Nbd2 Ba7
Homework
Add the Italian main line to your repertoire and drill it five minutes a day.
More openings lessons
- Three golden opening rules (Novice)
- Scholar’s mate and how to stop it (Novice)
- Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined (Class F)
- Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 (Class E)
- From moves to structures (Class D)
- Building a complete repertoire (Class B)