Italian Game

One of the oldest and most natural openings: White develops the bishop to c4, aiming it at Black's weak f7 square, and prepares quick castling. It leads to open, tactical positions and is a staple of club and beginner play.

• Point the c4 bishop at f7 and combine with Nf3 and pressure on e5
• Play the slow Giuoco Pianissimo with c3 and d3, building a big pawn centre later with d4
• In sharper lines push c3 and d4 quickly to blow open the centre
• Castle early and look for kingside attacks against Black's f7