1.e4 — the open games
Italian Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4ECO C50–C54
The bishop eyes f7, the weakest square in Black's camp. Straightforward development and clear attacking plans make it the ideal first opening — modern theory has revived it at the top level too.
Key ideas
- The c4-bishop aims straight at f7, Black's most sensitive square.
- The quiet Giuoco Pianissimo (d3, c3, slow build) is easy to play and hard to spoil.
- The Two Knights and Evans Gambit offer sharper, more attacking roads.
Who it suits
Beginners and improvers who want clear development and natural attacking chances from move three.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Italian Game move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer