Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 · C50
Part of Italian Game: Giuoco Piano
Starting positionWhite to move
0 / 14
Patient, not passive
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- 7.
The idea
The modern main line: White keeps the centre flexible with d3, builds slowly with c3 and Re1, and only then decides where to strike.
Main line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.c3 d6 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 a6
What White wants
- Keep the d-pawn on d3 and prepare d4 or the Nbd2–f1–g3 manoeuvre
- Build with Re1, Nbd2 and Bb3, then push d4 with full support
- Attack on the kingside once Black has committed in the centre
What Black wants
- Copy the setup with ...d6, ...O-O and ...a6 and wait for White's plan
- Play ...Na5 and ...Nxb3 to remove the Italian bishop
- Free the position with ...d5 or ...exd4 at the right moment
Key idea
Understand this and the moves stop needing to be memorised.
Patient, not passive
d3 looks timid, but it keeps the option of d4 in reserve and stops Black from ever trading on d4 for free. White's plan is to manoeuvre the queen's knight to g3 and only then play d4 with everything defended.
Common mistake
Following the Nbd2–f1–g3 route without checking the centre. The manoeuvre takes time and Re1 must clear f1 first; if Black can strike with ...d5, White may need to respond centrally instead of completing a memorised setup.
Representative position
The position this opening is aiming at. Copy the FEN, or open it in the analysis board and let the engine tell you what it is worth.
r1bq1rk1/1pp2ppp/p1np1n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/2PP1N2/PP3PPP/RNBQR1K1 w - - 0 8
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