ECO C57 · for White
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack
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.
4,731,722 games in this band reached the Two Knights Defense, Knight Attack position. From there White won 51% and drew 3%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6 7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Ba4 h6 9. Nf3 e4 10. Qe2 Be7 11. Ne5
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. Ng5 d5
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. Ng5
Attacking the f7 pawn with both the bishop and knight.
4... d5
Relieving the pressure on the f7 pawn and attacking the bishop.
- 4... Bc5: Black develops and counters white's attack on f7 with an attack on the f2 pawn.
Moves 5 to 6
5. exd5 Na5 6. Bb5+ c6
5. exd5
Capturing the pawn while threatening the knight on c6.
5... Na5
Moving the knight away from the threat while attacking the bishop.
- 5... Nxd5: Recapturing the pawn while relieving the threat on the c6 knight.
6. Bb5+
Checking the king while moving the bishop away from the threat.
6... c6
Blocking the check while threatening the bishop. In this line black sacrifices a pawn in order to force white's pieces to retreat and play passively.
Moves 7 to 8
7. dxc6 bxc6 8. Ba4 h6
7. dxc6
Capturing the pawn setting up a discovered attack on the black king. This forces black to immediately recapture.
7... bxc6
Recapturing the pawn while threatening the bishop forcing white to retreat the bishop.
8. Ba4
Retreating the bishop because of the threat. White keeps pressure on the c6 pawn and has a development advantage. Both sides' pieces are uncoordinated and the position is unclear.
- 8. Qf3: Utilizing the pin on the c6 pawn because of the hanging rook on a8.
- 8. Bd3: White retreats the bishop and prepares the move Ne4 to trade off the badly placed knight on g5.
8... h6
Attacking White's knight and forcing it to retreat.
Moves 9 to 11
9. Nf3 e4 10. Qe2 Be7 11. Ne5
9. Nf3
Retreating the knight away from the threat and attacking Black's undefended e5 pawn.
9... e4
Advancing the e-pawn and attacking White's knight.
10. Qe2
10... Be7
11. Ne5
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The bishop on a4 or knight on e5 generally captures the pawn on c6
- The queenside knight usually develops to c3
- Common pawn moves are d3, d4, and f4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White