Italian Game · C54

Classical Variation, Giuoco Pianissimo, after 4. O-O, through 6... Bb6, line 7

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. c3 Bb6

The c4 bishop eyes f7 and both sides castle fast; the real fight starts when White engineers c3 and d4 and Black must decide how to meet the centre. White's pawn on f2 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

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