Italian Game
One flexible d3 setup against 1...e5. Less theory than the Ruy Lopez, and you still play to win.
Train this repertoire freeChapters
Each chapter shows its main line move by move, with the coach's comments.
- 113 lines
3...Bc5 - Giuoco Piano
Let's learn the Italian Game! We aim our bishop straight at f7 and create simple winning chances against anyone under 2000. We begin with pawn to e4.
Read the chapter - 211 lines
3...Nf6 - Two Knights Defense
Black picks the Two Knights Defense, attacking our e4 pawn right away. Most games still transpose to familiar Italian positions after Bc5, so we'll be back in our comfort zone...
Read the chapter - 39 lines
3...h6 & Minor Lines
Black stops Ng5 but wastes time with this pawn move. Let's punish it with d4, opening lines while Black falls behind in development.
Read the chapter
About this repertoire
A modern White repertoire after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4.
Forget memorizing 25 moves of the Ruy Lopez. The Italian with d3 and c3 gives you a flexible setup where understanding trumps theory. Carlsen, Caruana, and Giri have made this the weapon of choice at the highest level, and it works just as well at club level.
Your bishop on c4 targets f7 while your pawns prepare to seize the center at the right moment. Every plan flows naturally from the position.
What you'll learn
3...Bc5 Giuoco Piano
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d3
The classical reply and the heart of your repertoire. You build a rock-solid center with c3 and d3, castle kingside, then expand with b4 or d4 depending on Black's setup. The bishop pair and central control give you long-lasting pressure.
3...Nf6 Two Knights Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3
Black counterattacks e4 immediately, but 4.d3 sidesteps the wildest theoretical lines and transposes into your Giuoco Piano setup. You get familiar positions on your own terms, with all the same plans and ideas.
3...h6, d6, Be7 & Minor Lines
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6/d6/Be7
Every sideline gives you an easy game. Against 3...h6 you strike with d4 immediately, exploiting Black's wasted tempo. Against 3...d6 and 3...Be7 you transpose to favorable versions of standard structures. Rare tries like 3...Nd4 and 3...f5 are punished directly.
Why this repertoire?
- Top-level pedigree. The d3 Italian is the main weapon of the world's best players against 1...e5.
- Plans over memorization. Your setup with c3, d3, O-O, and b4/d4 works against virtually any Black response.
- Sidestep the Berlin. Unlike the Ruy Lopez, Black cannot escape into the drawish Berlin Endgame.
- Rich middlegames. Both sides have chances, but your space and development edge provide the initiative.
- Low theory, high reward. Learn the key ideas once and adapt to whatever Black throws at you.
Train the Italian Game repertoire
Play every line on the board and let spaced repetition bring back the moves you forget. Free to start.
Train this repertoire free