Italian Game

1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.

1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.

2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo

2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.

3. Bc4
Targeting the weak f7 square, which is only defended by the king. This move also prepares to castle kingside.

3... Bc5
Developing the bishop to a strong diagonal, aiming to control the center and prepare for kingside castling.

• 3... Nf6: Attacking the e4 pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move also allows for the possibility of d5, further challenging white's control of the center.
• 3... h6: Preventing any potential Ng5 or Bg5 moves from white, but this move is generally considered slow and does not contribute to piece development or control of the center.

4. c3
Preparing the d4 break for greater control of the center and to threaten the dark squared bishop.

• 4. O-O: Castling kingside with a slight development advantage. Planning to break in the center later probably with c3 and d4.
• 4. d3: Supporting the e4 pawn and allowing to develop the dark squared bishop.
• 4. Nc3: Developing the knight and controlling the center. White will likely continue with d3 and castling.

4... Nf6
Developing the knight while attacking the e4 pawn.

• 4... d6: Protecting the e5 pawn and solidifying the center so that d4 hits with less force when white plays it later.

5. d4
Advancing in the center and forcing Black's bishop to retreat.

• 5. d3: Giving the dark squared bishop and the knight on b1 more ability to become active, while also protecting the e4 pawn.

5... exd4
Capturing the d4 pawn and allowing Black to play Bb4+ next move.

6. cxd4
Recapturing the pawn on d4, attacking the bishop and gaining space.

6... Bb4+
Moving the bishop away from the threat and checking the White king.

7. Nc3

7... Nxe4

8. O-O

8... Nxc3

9. bxc3

9... Bxc3