1.e4 — the open games
Italian Game, Two Knights Defence
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6ECO C55
Black develops the king's knight instead of the bishop, inviting sharp tactical fights — most famously the Fried Liver Attack after 4.Ng5. A far more combative try than the calm Giuoco Piano, and a proving ground for both sides' tactical alertness from the very first moves.
Key ideas
- 4.Ng5 threatens the immediate f7 fork and leads to the razor-sharp Fried Liver Attack lines.
- 4.d4 offers a calmer central approach if White prefers to avoid the sharpest theory.
- Black must know the theory precisely — this is not an opening to improvise against a well-prepared 4.Ng5.
Who it suits
Tactical players on both sides who want forcing, well-analysed lines from move four.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Italian Game, Two Knights Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer