[Event "👶 Beginner Opening Study: The Italian Game: Easy development"] [Result "*"] [Variant "Standard"] [ECO "C50"] [Opening "Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo"] [StudyName "👶 Beginner Opening Study: The Italian Game"] [ChapterName "Easy development"] [UTCDate "2021.05.24"] [UTCTime "02:55:28"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Jamin5555"] [ChapterURL "https://lichess.org/study/5q0zcSfW/Jv3W7Ud6"] [Orientation "white"] [ChapterMode "gamebook"] { While there are many ways to open a game of chess, the Italian opening is a good safe way to get you started. This variation isn't the "main line" but it's a good start for beginners. 1. Move the central pawn in front of your King } 1. e4 { e4 is strong, because it occupies territory in the centre of the board } (1. e3 { e3 is too passive for your first move. Fight to occupy the centre. }) 1... e5 { Your opponent has played e5 which is also a strong move. When you're starting out, this is the most common response to e4. Now find a move that develops a minor piece, and attacks the black e5 pawn... } 2. Nf3 { Good job! You are threatening to attack the pawn, so black must defend it. } (2. d4 { This attacks the pawn, but doesn't develop a piece }) (2. Qh5 { You are attacking the pawn, but your Queen is out too early. She will easily come under attack. }) 2... Nc6 { Black's best response is to defend his pawn with Nc6. Your priority in the opening is getting your knights and bishops off their starting squares (a.k.a. developing your minor pieces). You also want to castle quickly to ensure your king safety. Right now your bishop is in the way of castling. Where is a good square for your bishop that also puts pressure on the opponent's vulnerable f7 square? } 3. Bc4 { Good, that's the one. F7 is a weak square for black, because it is only defended by the king. } (3. Bb5 { This is also a good square for your bishop, but it is a different opening called the Ruy Lopez. Find a square that eyes f7. }) 3... Bc5 { Black continues his own development, pressuring your f2 square. How can you keep your king safe? } 4. O-O { Great! Castling early is a good idea when you're starting out in chess. } 4... Nf6 { Black continues to develop, while putting pressure on your e4 pawn. How can you simply defend the e4 pawn, while also clearing a path for your dark-squared bishop? } 5. d3 { That's it! Pawn moves in the opening clear a path for your pieces to get into the action. Always have a purpose behind your moves. } 5... d6 { You still have 2 minor pieces to get into the game. Where is a good square for your knight? } 6. Nc3 { Good work. Knights are more active towards the centre of the board. Nd2 would block in your dark squared bishop, while Na3 would be badly placed on the edge of the board. } (6. Nbd2 { This square blocks your bishop. While it isn't a bad move, as you can eventually develop your bishop to b2 once the b-pawn has moved, this exercise is about fast and simple development. }) (6. Na3 { "Knights on the rim are dim" In other words, your knight on a3 only controls four squares, rather than its usual eight. } { [%csl Gb5,Gc4,Gc2,Gb1] }) 6... Bg4 { Black develops his bishop and also pins the knight to your queen. Threaten to capture black's bishop with a pawn, forcing black to make a decision. } 7. h3 (7. d4 { Not that bishop. there are three black pieces controlling d4, and only your queen and knight defending. Plus, if you move your knight, you will lose your queen as she is pinned. }) 7... Bxf3 { Should you retake with the queen or your pawn? } 8. Qxf3 (8. gxf3 { Taking back with the pawn isn't a good idea, as it destroys the pawn formation that was keeping your king safe. }) 8... O-O { Black continues safe development with 0-0, castle. You have one last minor piece to get into the game to complete your development. Where can you pressure one of black's pieces, and create a pin against his queen? } 9. Bg5 { Good job! You have completed the most important elements of your development: Leading with central pawns, getting minor pieces into the game, and castling. Continue to play the Italian game to become familiar with various tricks, traps and strategies in this opening. } *