ECO C55 · for White
Italian Game: Two Knights Defense, Modern Bishop's Opening
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.
5,287,544 games in this band reached the Two Knights Defense, Modern Bishop's Opening position. From there White won 50% 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... 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 White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The queenside knight often goes to f1, via d2
- The kingside rook typically develops to e1
- The bishop on c4 often moves to b3
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to e3
- Common pawn moves are a4 and d4
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