“Fast development, direct attack.”
The Italian Game is one of the oldest openings in chess, recorded in manuscripts dating back to the 16th century. White develops the bishop to c4 on move 3, targeting the center and the sensitive f7 square. It leads to rich, principled positions where both sides have clear plans.
At club level it remains one of the most important openings to understand. At grandmaster level it is a regular choice — the Italian has produced fascinating games from the 1800s to the present day.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 d6 6. O-O O-O 7. Re1 a6Position after 7 moves · White to move
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.O-O O-OThe "very quiet game" — both sides develop naturally and build up slowly. This is the main line in the UltimaChess trainer.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4White pushes d4 earlier for a more aggressive approach — creates open lines and tactical complexity.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6Black invites White to try Ng5 with an attack on f7. Very sharp and theoretically rich.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4White sacrifices a pawn with b4 to seize the center. A romantic 19th-century gambit that still carries a real punch.
The UltimaChess opening trainer lets you watch the moves play out with a demo, then practice them yourself. Select Italian Game from the opening list to start.