How to Beat the Italian Game

What you're facing: The oldest recorded opening in chess — rapid development aimed straight at Black's weakest square, f7.

The moves you'll see

Your counter-plans

• Answer with 3…Nf6 (the Two Knights) to counterattack e4 immediately rather than defending passively.
• Play 3…Bc5 and meet c3 with …Nf6 and …d6, keeping the strong bishop and equal share of the center.
• Never grab the Ng5 bait carelessly — know the Fried Liver lines or sidestep them with 5…Na5.

What your opponent is trying to do

• Develop knight before bishop, castle quickly, and keep the bishop trained on f7 — Black's only square defended solely by the king.
• Support the center with c3 and d3 (the Giuoco Pianissimo) for a slow squeeze, or push d4 early for open tactical play.
• Typical plans: Ng5 hitting f7 when Black is careless, or a kingside pawn storm after closing the center.

Rehearse your defense against the computer until the counter-plans are muscle memory — free, in your browser.