ECO C55 · for Black
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
16,106,290 games in this band reached the Two Knights Defense position. From there Black won 46% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. O-O O-O 6. c3 d6 7. h3
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5
3. Bc4
Targeting the weak f7 square, which is only defended by the king. This move also prepares to castle kingside.
3... Nf6
Attacking the e4 pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move also allows for the possibility of d5, further challenging white's control of the center.
4. d3
Protecting the pawn and preparing to develop the dark squared bishop.
- 4. Ng5: Attacking the f7 pawn with both the bishop and knight.
- 4. Nc3: Developing the knight while protecting the e4 pawn and controlling the d5 square.
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside and likely continuing with d3 or Nc3 to protect the e4 pawn.
4... Bc5
Developing the bishop and preparing d6 to further develop and strengthen the center.
- 4... h6: Preventing White from playing Ng5 to target f7. This move also allows Black to launch an attack on the kingside in the future with g5.
- 4... Be7: Developing the dark squared bishop and preparing to castle kingside.
Moves 5 to 7
5. O-O O-O 6. c3 d6 7. h3
5. O-O
Castling kingside quickly in order to expand in the center and force black's pieces backwards.
- 5. c3: Preparing to expand in the center later with d4 to gain space and force black's pieces to retreat.
5... O-O
Castling kingside while preparing to continue with d6.
- 5... d6: Supporting the e5 pawn and preparing to develop the light-squared bishop to either g4 or e6.
- 5... h6: Preventing White from playing Bg5 and preparing a kingside attack later with g5.
6. c3
6... d6
7. h3
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The light-squared bishop typically develops to e6
- The bishop on c5 often moves to a7
- The knight on c6 often moves to e7
- The kingside rook generally develops to e8
- Common pawn moves are h6, a6, and a5
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black