Italian Game
ECO C50-C59intermediate
The Italian Game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, aiming the bishop at Black's weakest square, f7. It is one of the oldest recorded openings and remains a top choice at every level because the plans are logical: develop quickly, castle short, and fight for the center with c3 and d4. Club players get attacking chances through the Evans Gambit and Fried Liver structures, while the quiet Giuoco Pianissimo is a staple even in elite play.
Main line
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 6.c3 a6 7.Bb3 Ba7
Diagram shows the position after 6 half-moves of the main line. On SpeakChess you can drill this line move by move — the trainer plays the other side and corrects you instantly, then spaced repetition schedules each variation so you review it right before you would forget it.
Win rates by rating
Results from real online games, measured after the line shown in each row. Most opening sites show one aggregate number — how an opening scores depends heavily on who is playing it.
| Rating | Games | White wins | Draws | Black wins | Position after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400-600 | 29 | 41.4% | 17.2% | 41.4% | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O |
| 600-800 | 210 | 43.3% | 6.2% | 50.5% | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 |
| 800-1000 | 204 | 42.2% | 3.9% | 53.9% | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 6.c3 |
| 1000-1200 | 86 | 58.1% | 7% | 34.9% | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 6.c3 a6 |
| 1200-1400 | 219 | 51.6% | 1.4% | 47% | 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 6.c3 a6 |
Most played continuations (1200-1400 rating)
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 5.O-O d6 6.c3 a6:
- a4 — played 14.2% of the time (White wins 45.2%, draws 3.2%, Black wins 51.6%)
- h3 — played 14.2% of the time (White wins 38.7%, draws 0%, Black wins 61.3%)
- b4 — played 14.2% of the time (White wins 35.5%, draws 0%, Black wins 64.5%)
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
Is the Italian Game good for beginners?
Yes — it is widely considered the best first opening for new players. Every move follows a clear principle: control the center, develop a piece, castle early. Unlike sharper openings, a small inaccuracy rarely loses on the spot, and the ideas you learn (pressure on f7, the c3+d4 pawn break) transfer to many other openings.
What is the main line of the Italian Game?
The most common continuation is 3...Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3, the Giuoco Pianissimo, where White builds slowly with d3, h3 and Re1 before expanding with d4. The sharper alternative is 3...Nf6, the Two Knights Defense, when 4.Ng5 leads to the famous Fried Liver Attack complex.
How do you counter the Italian Game as Black?
Black's most reliable setups are 3...Bc5 followed by ...Nf6, ...d6 and ...a6 with a comfortable mirror position, or the more combative Two Knights with 3...Nf6. Knowing the tactics around f7 and the ...d5 counter-strike in the center is essential before entering the Two Knights.
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