Italian Game
Also called the Giuoco Piano.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
An opening for White
The friendliest first opening: develop fast and aim at f7.
Show me the opening
0 / 5 moves
Win likelihood
White ~54%Our chess engine scores this position at about 54% for White - a small edge to your side. From here it would play Nf6.
Most openings are close - the first move gives White a small edge. What actually wins games at the beginner level is playing the plan and not hanging pieces, far more than which opening you pick. How we score this.
The idea
White develops the knight and bishop quickly and points the bishop at f7, the weakest square in Black's camp. It follows the opening principles perfectly, which is why it's the best first opening for beginners.
The plan
Castle early, play d3 and c3, and build a strong centre with d4 when ready. The bishop on c4 and knight on f3 already eye Black's kingside.
What to play next
After castling with O-O to tuck your king away, play d3 to solidify the centre and give the bishop a retreat square. Then c3 prepares d4 so you can build a big pawn centre when ready. Get your remaining pieces out before launching any attack.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.O-O Nf6 5.d3 d6 6.c3
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 11 moves
One tip for beginners
Don't rush the attack on f7. Finish developing and castle first - the pressure builds itself.
What to watch out for
The 'Fried Liver' and early Ng5 ideas are tempting but double-edged; as a beginner, solid development beats forcing tactics you haven't calculated.
Who plays it
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