Giuoco Piano: 4.c3 and 5.d4 is variation 1 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 classical plan: c3 and d4 build a big centre. After the exchanges on d4 and d2, White gets an isolated d-pawn but very active pieces, a queen on b3 and play down the e-file. 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 the light-squared bishop.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share of the centre.
2. Nf3 – Develops with an attack on the e5 pawn.
2... Nc6 – Defends e5 and develops a knight toward the centre.
3. Bc4 – The Italian bishop: it controls d5 and aims at f7, the square only Black's king defends.
3... Bc5 – The Giuoco Piano: Black's bishop mirrors White's and eyes f2.
4. c3 – Prepares d4. If Black ever takes on d4, White recaptures with the c-pawn and keeps a pawn duo on d4 and e4.
4... Nf6 – Black develops and counter-attacks e4, so that d4 can be met by pressure on White's centre.
5. d4 – Strikes in the centre while the bishop on c5 is attacked by the pawn.
5... exd4 – Black gives up the centre pawn but gains time against White's centre.
6. cxd4 – Recaptures toward the centre: White now has pawns on d4 and e4.
6... Bb4+ – The bishop has to move; with check it gains time and forces White to block.
7. Bd2 – The safe block. White offers the trade of dark-squared bishops and keeps the e4 pawn defended by the knight it will develop to d2.
7... Bxd2+ – Black trades to reduce White's attacking pieces.
8. Nbxd2 – Recaptures and develops; the knight on d2 also guards e4.
8... d5 – The standard freeing break: Black challenges e4 and opens the c8 bishop's diagonal.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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