Italian Game · C50
Giuoco Piano
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5
The quiet game is a slow build: c3 prepares d4, Black holds the e5 point, and piece placement decides an even middlegame.
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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Where this fits
This line is one of 187 in the Italian Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.