Giuoco Pianissimo: 4.c3 and 5.d3 is variation 2 of 6 in the Italian Game course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C54). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 …. The modern top-level choice: White keeps the centre closed with d3, gains space with a4, and manoeuvres (Re1, h3, Nbd2) before choosing between d4 and a queenside expansion with b4. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and bishop.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre.
2. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5.
3. Bc4 – Aims at f7 and controls d5.
3... Bc5 – Black develops the bishop actively, aiming at f2.
4. c3 – Prepares d4 and gives the c5 bishop something to worry about.
4... Nf6 – Develops and attacks e4.
5. d3 – Defends e4 calmly. White postpones d4 until the pieces are ready, so Black gets no early targets.
5... d6 – Black mirrors the setup and supports e5.
6. O-O – White castles before starting any action.
6... a6 – Gives the c5 bishop a retreat on a7 so it cannot be hit by b4 or d4 and traded.
7. a4 – Gains queenside space, stops ...b5 (which would hit the bishop) and keeps a2 free for the bishop.
7... Ba7 – Retreats in advance, so b4 or d4 will not come with tempo.
8. Re1 – Supports e4 and prepares Nbd2-f1-g3, a typical Italian manoeuvre.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM