Why study this opening?
The Italian Game puts the bishop on c4 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6. From c4 it looks along the diagonal toward f7, while the knight on f3 attacks e5. This is pressure to develop around, not a promise of a quick checkmate.
Italian Game
Learn Italian Game: starter moves, key ideas, plans for both sides and common mistakes on ChessRivo.
Starter line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
rapid developmentking safety
Plan for White
White can play c3 to support a later d4, or choose d3 first to reinforce e4 and release the bishop on c1. Finish kingside development and prepare castling. Before pushing d4, check whether the center can open while your king is still on e1.
Plan for Black
Black can develop the bishop with 3...Bc5 or the knight with 3...Nf6. In the quiet example below, ...d6 supports e5 and frees the bishop on c8. Develop, castle and watch for White’s central break rather than defending f7 with unnecessary pawn moves.
Common mistake
Do not assume that a bishop aimed at f7 justifies a sacrifice. Count attackers and defenders and calculate the reply. Repeated queen moves can leave your undeveloped pieces watching while Black gains time.
Related openings
Play on ChessRivo Open ChessRivo AcademyPractice plan for Italian Game
Use this short routine to turn the opening ideas into playable habits instead of memorising moves.
- Set up the starter line on a board: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4.
- Explain why rapid development and king safety matter before you continue the line.
- Play three practice games, then review the first move where your position stopped following the plan.
A quiet line, explained
This is one legal example, not a forced sequence or a recommendation against every reply. N means knight, B bishop and O-O kingside castling; the notation below uses international English piece letters.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.O-O O-O
White’s c3 prepares support for d4. The quieter d3 keeps e4 supported while making room for the c1 bishop. Black’s ...Nf6 develops with pressure on e4, and ...d6 reinforces e5. Both kings then castle. The next decision is whether to prepare d4 further or improve a piece; it depends on the opponent’s moves.
Check your understanding
After 3.Bc4, which pawn is on the bishop’s diagonal?
The pawn on f7. It is initially protected by the black king; pressure on it does not mean it can be captured safely.
What does c3 help prepare?
A later d4 pawn advance. First check development, king safety and the opponent’s possible captures in the center.
What should you review after a practice game?
Find the first central exchange. Was your king safe, were your pieces developed, and did the exchange improve their activity? Explain the position before consulting an engine.