Giuoco pianissimo Italian four knights variation
The Italian Opening is one of the oldest known openings and is still being played by the very best chess players in the world today. Wilhelm Steinitz played the Italian Opening way back in 1895.
Players like Giri, Short, and Hou Yifan have used it regularly with success against other top players.
When we learn chess openings, we are told to develop our pieces towards the center, stake a claim in the center with our pawns, and get our king to safety. An ample reason for the Italian Opening’s longevity is that it covers all three of these principles.
Despite being suitable for beginners, the Italian Opening is an effective opening at all levels of play.
The longer you play an opening, the deeper your understanding of the tactics, strategies, and typical endgames become. This deep knowledge of the opening can give you a winning edge in many theoretically equal positions.
Start playing the Italian Opening now and learn why so many other chess players use it in their games.
Ideas and Strategies in the Italian Opening
After the opening moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
Black can choose 3…Bc5 or the Two Knights Defense with 3…Nf6. Against both moves, White can choose the more aggressive c3 and d4 option or the quieter Giuoco Piano with c3 and d3.
If you choose to adopt the c3 and d4 approach, an effective strategy for White is to sacrifice the e-pawn and play 7.Nbd2. For example: 3…Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nbd2
When Black can accept the sacrifice with 7…Nxe4, White’s compensation consists of a lead in development, more space, and in some instances having the bishop pair in an open position.
Do not be afraid to sacrifice a second pawn with d6 since this sacrifice makes it harder for Black to develop his light-squared bishop.
The usual way for Black to decline the sacrifice is with 7…d5. If Black declines the sacrifice White must be willing to play with an isolated queen’s pawn.
Playing isolated queen’s pawn positions will help your development as a chess player. Yes, these positions require more study, but they lend themselves to attacking play which is a lot of fun.
The Italian Opening 3…Bc5
Playing 3…Bc5 and developing the bishop before the knight avoids the Fried Liver Attack. The Fried Liver Attack is a dangerous attacking option for White when Black often sacrifices a pawn.
Although the sacrifice is theoretically sound, many chess players prefer not to sacrifice material in the opening, especially when there is a good alternative in 3…Bc5.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5
For those who enjoy playing with a space advantage and active pieces, a promising approach is
4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nbd2
Black Accepts the Sacrifice With 7…Nxe4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nbd2 Nxe4
The Italian Opening becomes very dynamic, with White gaining a lead in development and space advantage, and sometimes the bishop pair advantage.
Of course, Black’s position is very solid, and Black is a pawn up. As is often said in chess, “A pawn is a pawn.”
Since one of Black’s freeing moves is …d5, it makes a lot of sense for White to prevent this and gain a tempo by playing 8.d5
8.d5 Ne7 9.0-0 Bxd2 10.Nxd2 Nxd2 11.Bxd2 d6
When Black plays 9…Bxd2, it is essential for White to recapture with 10.Nxd2 to obtain the bishop pair.
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